Field horsetail, also known as horsetail, is a gardener's terror because it spreads in gardens and is almost impossible to get rid of. However, the plant is not poisonous. However, horsetail is often confused with the marsh horsetail, which is primarily poisonous to animals.
Field horsetail is harmless to humans and animals
Field horsetail is often confused with marsh horsetail
Both horsetail varieties look very similar. That's why you should be careful when dealing with horsetail. In contrast to the field horsetail, marsh horsetail is poisonous and represents a real danger, especially for animals.
There are a few distinguishing features by which you can tell whether it is a marsh horsetail or a field horsetail (horsetail):
- color of the sprouts
- cones on top
- Number of tips on the leaf sheaths
- width of the stems
- Width and color of the ears
Horsetail has brown shoots on which the spores grow. Green horsetail with cones is the poisonous marsh horsetail. The stalks of the field horsetail are wider than three millimeters, while the marsh horsetail has narrower spikes that have lateral branches and are greenish in color.
Field horsetail can be used in many ways
Since horsetail is not poisonous, it can be used both in medicine and for personal hygiene. Leaves and stems can even be cooked.
You can harvest the field horsetail tubers from September to March and eat them raw or cooked.
However, if you are not quite sure whether you are dealing with non-toxic field horsetail or poisonous marsh horsetail, it is better to keep your hands off it.
tips
Field horsetail is one of the most robust plants that come from this country. Horsetail even grows without any problems on areas that are too salty or have been treated with weed killer.