Horsetails (Equisetum species) weed management guide
Alert List for Environmental Weeds
Department of the Environment and Heritage and the CRC for Australian Weed Management, 2003
ISBN 1 9209 3224 0
PDF file
About the guide
Horsetails (Equisetum spp.) are on the Alert List for Environmental Weeds, a list of 28 non-native plants that threaten biodiversity and cause other environmental damage. Although only in the early stages of establishment, these weeds have the potential to seriously degrade Australia's ecosystems.
The popularity of interesting foliage plants for landscaping in Australian gardens is contributing to a local increase in horsetails, which are among the world's worst weeds. Several species are being sold for use in Australian gardens. Horsetails are also promoted for medicinal purposes.
As well as being highly invasive, horsetails are toxic to livestock and can even kill animals that eat contaminated hay. Horses, cattle and sheep are particularly susceptible and can die within a few hours of eating large amounts of the plants. In high densities, horsetails reduce crop yields by producing inhibitory substances that depress the growth of neighbouring plants.
Before you download
Most publications are downloadable as PDF files. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view PDF files.
If you are unable to access a publication, please contact us to organise a suitable alternative format.
Key
Links to an another web site
Opens a pop-up window
Accessibility | Disclaimer | Privacy | © Commonwealth of Australia
Last updated: Friday, 14-Sep-2007 15:54:55 EST
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
+61 (0)2 6274 1111
DEW | DAFF | Australian Government
The weeds web site is jointly administered by the Australian Government departments of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Environment and Water Resources