Equisetum species
The entire genus of Equisetum (horsetails) is declared under the Catchment and Land Protection Act (1994) as a State prohibited weed. World-wide there are about 35 species of horsetails, none of which are native to Australia. Consequently, all horsetail species present in Australia are believed to have been imported for ornamental or medicinal horticulture. Horsetails have been found for sale at nurseries and markets and have also been found growing in gardens around Victoria.
| Horsetails have been found for sale at nurseries and markets around Victoria. |
What are State prohibited weeds?
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State prohibited weeds either do not occur in Victoria, or are present and can reasonably be expected to be eradicated. State prohibited weeds are the highest category of noxious weeds under the Catchment and Land Protection Act (1994). The Department of Primary Industries is responsible for the eradication of State prohibited weeds. The Victorian Government is committed to preventing the introduction of high-risk weeds into Victoria, to protect our environment and economy.
Why is it so dangerous?
Horsetails are among the world’s worst agricultural weeds due to their resilience, toxicity and ability to dominate poorly drained farmland and pastures. Horsetails have the potential to become persistent weeds of wetlands and other low-lying areas in southern Australia. They are very difficult to control because of their extensive and inaccessible underground parts. All species are thought to contain chemicals that are toxic to livestock.
How to identify horsetails
Horsetails are primitive sporebearing, perennial herbs that mostly favour wet places. The different species range in height from a few centimetres up to 10 metres, with some dying back to their underground parts during winter.
Horsetails have green, jointed and hollow stems with spore-producing cones found at their apex during Spring. Even small fragments of these stems are able to break off and produce new plants.
Horsetails spread via long root systems that can run for up to 100 metres under the ground. These roots have even been known to grow through bitumen and concrete.
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What should you do if you find a horsetail plant?
If you think you have purchased or seen a horsetail plant, please contact the Department of Primary Industries by telephoning 136 186.
| Please do not attempt to control or dispose of this weed yourself. |
