How to Grow Snake Grass

Snake grass, also known as horsetail, is popular among water gardeners as an ornamental grass. Dried flower enthusiasts like snake grass for its minimalist accents to floral designs. It is also an herb used by herbalists for medicinal purposes. Snake grass is invasive and difficult to control once established. Plant the horsetail in containers or other controlled conditions.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Purchase a live snake grass rhizome to start your planting. Look for snake grass from growers who specialize in water or herbal gardens. Buy plants that thrive in your area's hardiness zone.

2. Select a sunny spot in your garden for your snake grass to grow. Snake grass tolerates some shade but it prefers the sun. Plant your snake grass in a large container to prevent it from invading neighboring plant beds.

3. Find a large container with drainage holes in the bottom. Place it in the garden where you intend to grow the snake grass. Fill the bottom of the container with rocks or heavy, porous material to increase drainage and to give the container weight. Fill the container with fertile, acidic soil that retains water. Snake grass thrives in moist, fertile conditions.

4. Dig a hole twice the size of the rhizome. Place the live rhizome at the bottom. Cover the snake grass rhizome with soil. Water the container well. Transfer growing nursery plants into the soil according to the growers' recommendation.

5. Keep your snake grass moist throughout the growing season. Fertilize with acidic garden products that contain potassium. Avoid adding nitrogen to the soil. It is toxic to snake grass.

Tips & Warnings

• Snake grass is also known as field horsetail, mares tail, horse pipes, scouring weed, shavegrass, scouring rush, horse pipes, joint-grass and bottle-brush. The botanical name is "Equisetum."
• Snake grass is a perennial and returns year after year.
• Snake grass is considered a noxious weed by farmers and most gardeners.

[Force1998]

on 10/16/2008 I am looking for a supplier that carries snake grass; I live in Georgia. Does anyone have any recommendations?