Smooth scouring-rush (Equisetum laevigatum, Amer. J. Sci. Arts 46: 87 (1844))

Family: Equisetaceae

Author: A.Braun & Engelm.

Bibliography: Amer. J. Sci. Arts 46: 87 (1844)

Year: 1844

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Equisetum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Russian Far East, Canada to Mexico

Description

Smooth Scouring-Rush
Smooth scouring-rush, scientifically recognized as Equisetum laevigatum, is a fascinating plant species hailing from the Equisetaceae family. Originally described in the American Journal of Science and Arts in 1844 by A. Braun and G. Engelmann, this plant has captivated botanists and nature enthusiasts alike with its unique characteristics and widespread distribution.

Description:
The smooth scouring-rush is a perennial, herbaceous plant known for its tall, slender, and jointed stems. It thrives in a variety of habitats, typically favoring areas with moist soils such as riverbanks, marshes, and wetlands. Its distinctive, hollow stems are rich in silica, making them rigid and naturally resistant to decay. These stems are unbranched, smooth, and dark green, with sheathed nodes that encircle the stem at regular intervals, giving it a segmented appearance.

Habitat and Distribution:
This remarkable plant can be found inhabiting a wide geographic range, extending from the Russian Far East across North America, stretching from Canada down to Mexico. Its ability to adapt to different climates and soil conditions has enabled it to colonize various regions effectively. In its native habitats, smooth scouring-rush can often be seen forming dense stands, which provide important ecological benefits such as erosion control and habitat for wildlife.

Ecological and Practical Significance:
The physical properties of Equisetum laevigatum contribute significantly to its ecological role. Its silica-rich stems have historically been used by humans for practical purposes, such as polishing and scouring utensils, which is reflected in its common name. Furthermore, smooth scouring-rush plays a vital role in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion, particularly in riparian zones. Its dense growth can also provide shelter and food for various species of wildlife, contributing to the biodiversity of its habitat.

Conclusion:
Equisetum laevigatum, or smooth scouring-rush, is a remarkable plant that not only showcases intriguing botanical features but also plays essential ecological roles across its broad range from the Russian Far East to North America. Its ability to thrive in diverse environments and its practical uses underscore its significance in both natural and human contexts. This plant continues to be a subject of interest and study, highlighting the interconnectedness of flora and the ecosystems they inhabit.

Common Names

Eng: horsetail, smooth horsetail, smooth scouring-rush, smooth scouringrush, summer horsetail, summer scouring-rush
Fra: prêle lisse
En: Smooth scouring-rush, Horsetail, Smooth horsetail, Smooth scouringrush, Summer horsetail, Summer scouring-rush
Fr: Prêle lisse

Synonyms

• Hippochaete laevigata var. polystachya ((A.A.Eaton) Farw.)
• Equisetum praealtum var. laevigatum ((A.Braun & Engelm.) Bush)
• Equisetum funstonii var. ramosum ((A.A.Eaton) Jeps.)
• Hippochaete laevigata var. caespitosa ((A.A.Eaton) Farw.)
• Equisetum funstonii f. ramosum (A.A.Eaton)
• Hippochaete laevigata var. caespitica (Farw.)
• Equisetum funstonii f. polystachyum (A.A.Eaton)
• Hippochaete laevigata var. funstonii ((A.A.Eaton) Farw.)
• Equisetum funstonii var. nudum ((A.A.Eaton) Jeps.)
• Equisetum laevigatum f. variegatoides (A.A.Eaton)
• Equisetum kansanum (J.H.Schaffn.)
• Equisetum kansanum f. caespiticum ((Farw.) M.Broun)
• Equisetum kansanum f. caespitosum ((A.A.Eaton) M.Broun)
• Hippochaete laevigata var. variegatoides ((A.A.Eaton) Farw.)
• Equisetum kansanum f. polystachyum ((A.A.Eaton) M.Broun)
• Equisetum kansanum f. ramosum ((A.A.Eaton) M.Broun)
• Hippochaete laevigata ((A.Braun & Engelm.) Farw.)
• Equisetum funstonii (A.A.Eaton)
• Equisetum fontinale (Copel.)
• Hippochaete praealta var. scabrella ((A.Braun & Engelm.) Farw.)
• Equisetum kansanum f. variegatoides ((A.A.Eaton) M.Broun)
• Equisetum laevigatum f. caespitosum (A.A.Eaton)
• Equisetum laevigatum f. proliferum (Haberer)
• Equisetum laevigatum f. polystachum ((A.A.Eaton) A.A.Eaton)
• Equisetum laevigatum subsp. funstonii ((A.A.Eaton) Hartm.)
• Equisetum laevigatum f. ramosum (A.A.Eaton)
• Equisetum laevigatum var. scabrellum (A.Braun & Engelm.)
• Equisetum laevigatum f. scabrellum ((A.Braun & Engelm.) Milde)
• Equisetum funstonii f. nudum (A.A.Eaton)
• Equisetum funstonii var. caespitosum ((A.A.Eaton) Jeps.)
• Equisetum funstonii f. caespitosum (A.A.Eaton)
• Hippochaete laevigata var. ramosa ((A.A.Eaton) Farw.)

Distribution

• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Québec (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 22, 2020 by Thomas Paliath (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2020 by k w (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2020 by k w (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2019 by Wendy (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 25, 2013 by EOL − Fluff Berger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2020 by Jacques Monchamp (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 27, 2020 by Toast Tostenson (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2015 by EOL − Dominic (cc-by)

Leaf

Taken Sep 7, 2020 by Rochelle Fjeldstrom (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2020 by austin liebler (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2019 by Véronique Errera (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2019 by Wendy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 21, 2019 by vjl (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Jun 21, 2020 by Elizabeth Rose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 6, 2008 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 6, 2008 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 6, 2013 by EOL − Erin Faulkner (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Dec 6, 2008 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 12, 2012 by EOL − Michael Rayner (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 25, 2012 by EOL − Gary Griffith (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2015 by EOL − faerthen (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 17, 2015 by EOL − kevinhintsa (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2687949)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:92968-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Equisetum laevigatum A. Braun)

Specifications

Growth form>: Single Crown

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 4.5