Equisetum fluviatile (Marginal Aquatic)

Equisetum fluviatile, or water horsetail, is a native aquatic perennial that brings bold vertical accents to ponds and bog gardens. Its tall, dark green, semi-evergreen stems—reminiscent of bamboo—are segmented with black-ringed joints and often tipped with cone-like spore heads. Thriving in shallow water or saturated soil, it spreads vigorously via creeping rhizomes to form dense colonies. To prevent overgrowth, it’s best planted in containers or confined spaces. Low-maintenance and deer-resistant, it’s ideal for naturalistic or contemporary water features where it provides a valuable habitat for aquatic wildlife. Ultimate height and spread: 50cm to 1m (20in to 39in).