Great Horsetail Nuisance

Lucy Goose · 04-17-2011, 05:19 PM

I Was wondering if anyone has experienced this very invasive plant called Great Horsetail? It is quite strange looking when it comes up and then turns into this tall big green weed. They spread by spores and they spread like crazy. Been reading up on them and it seems impossible to kill. Of course it's all in the areas where my gardens either are or will be. Seems nothing like Roundup or weed be gone helps. Any ideas would be great.

Lucy Goose

Rattlesnake Gal · 04-18-2011, 09:14 AM

Equisetum telmateia

According to this website on the Horsetail Weed, it spreads by spores and may need several applications of the weed killer. Before applying weed killer, trample the stems to expose the waxy surface and increase penetration.

Spore-bearing strobilus

Ortho Brush B Gon would be my first try. We've used it on the highly invasive thistle as well as poison ivy. Several applications will be likely.

04-17-2011, 05:19 PM	#1
Lucy Goose Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 228 Thanks: 29 Thanked 108 Times in 29 Posts	Great Horsetail Nuisance I Was wondering if anyone has experienced this very invasive plant called Great Horsetail? It is quite strange looking when it comes up and then turns into this tall big green weed. They spread by spores and they spread like crazy. Been reading up on them and it seems impossible to kill. Of course it's all in the areas where my gardens either are or will be. Seems nothing like Roundup or weed be gone helps. Any ideas would be great. Lucy Goose

04-18-2011, 09:14 AM	#2
Rattlesnake Gal Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Central NH Posts: 5,252 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 1,451 Thanked 1,349 Times in 475 Posts	Equisetum telmateia (great horsetail or northern giant horsetail) Equisetum telmateia According to this website on the Horsetail Weed, it spreads by spores and may need several applications of the weed killer. Before applying weed killer, trample the stems to expose the waxy surface and increase penetration. Spore-bearing strobilus Ortho Brush B Gon would be my first try. We've used it on the highly invasive thistle as well as poison ivy. Several applications will be likely.