Equisetum fluviatile, Equisetum hyemale.

Equisetum fluviatile Linn. Equisetaceae. Horsetail. Joint Grass. Scrub Grass.

Europe and adjoining Asia. The starch contained in the tubers of the rhizome is nutritious, according to Lindley. This is the plant which was eaten by the Romans under the name equisetum. Coles, in his Adam in Eden, speaking of horsetails, says, "the young heads are dressed by some like asparagus, or being boyled are often bestrewed with flower and fried to be eaten."

Equisetum hyemale Linn. Dutch Rush. Horsetail. Scouring Rush. Shave Grass.

Northern climates. Lindley says, it serves as food in time of famine.


Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World, 1919, was edited by U. P. Hedrick.