How Did Horsetails Get Their Name?

Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. The name "horsetail", often used for the entire group, arose because the branched species somewhat resemble a horse's tail. Similarly, the scientific name Equisetum is derived from the Latin equus ("horse") + seta ("bristle").

Why are horsetails called scouring rushes?

Because the stems are rough and durable (due to their high silica content) they were called “scouring rushes” because early pioneers used them to scrub pots and pans. Both scouring rush and horsetail prefer moist soil, but either will tolerate fairly dry soil after they become established.

Is horsetail poisonous to humans?

Horsetail is applied directly to the skin to treat wounds and burns. There have been reports of horsetail products being contaminated with a related plant called Equisetum palustre. This plant contains chemicals that can poison cattle, but toxicity in people has not been proven.