Field horsetail and brackenfern: harmful plants to horses

• Hollow, wiry and jointed stems

• Has 8 to 12 small, scale-like whorled leaves

• No flowers

• Cone-like structure is borne at the top of the stem and contains spores

• 2 to 4 inches tall

• It’s a perennial

• Reproduces by rhizomes (underground stems) and spores (reproductive structures)

Where is it found?

Field horsetail grows throughout the United States except for the southeastern region. You can find it in moist to wet soils that are usually sandy or gravely in texture.

Horsetail is relatively slow-spreading, noncompetitive weed. Once established, field horsetail is hard to control. Few herbicides provide adequate control. Tillage may actually increase plant density by spreading the rhizomes.

Correct drainage problems or fence horses out of wet areas populated with horsetail for the best control.

• Fern-like leaf

• 1 to 4 feet in height

• Spores are borne under each leaf in brownish bands

• It’s a perennial

• Reproduces by rhizomes and spores

Where is it found?

Brackenfern grows throughout the United States. You can find it in open pastures and woodlands, particularly on acid soils

Some herbicides suppress and control brackenfern but may need multiple treatments. Always carefully follow all grazing restrictions and pertinent information on herbicide labels.