Common Name:

General Information

Polygonum equisetiforme is a perennial plant growing from a rhizomatous rootstock. It produces numerous, erect to prostrate, slender stems that can become more or less woody, especially near the base; the stems can be up to 300cm long and 100cm tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine. It is cultivated in Israel and Libya for use in soil stabilization projects, and is also grown as an ornamental, where it can be used to form a ground cover[].

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention has been made for this species, there have been reports that some members of this genus can cause photosensitivity in susceptible people.
Many species also contain oxalic acid (the distinctive lemony flavour of sorrel) - whilst not toxic this substance can bind up other minerals making them unavailable to the body and leading to mineral deficiency. Having said that, a number of common foods such as sorrel and rhubarb contain oxalic acid and the leaves of most members of this genus are nutritious and beneficial to eat in moderate quantities. Cooking the leaves will reduce their content of oxalic acid. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition[].

Botanical References

Range

Mediterranean region, thogh absent from France and much of the Balkans; east thrugh Turkey and the Caucasus to central Asia

Habitat

Chiefly ruderale[]. Gardens, bluffs, ditches, weed-infested and slightly saline places, pastures and wormwood steppes in irrigated areas[]. Waste areas and roadsides[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Polygonum equisetiforme is not a very cold-hardy plant, being able to tolerate short periods with temperatures down to around -5 to -10°c when fully dormant[]. Outside of the mildest temperate regions, the plant is liable to be cut back in the winter, though if winters are not too cold it can resprout from the base in the spring[].
Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil[] but prefers a moisture retentive not too fertile soil in sun or part shade[]. Repays generous treatment[].
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[].

Edible Uses

The plant is used as a flavouring for tea[].

We have no specific information for this species, but the seed of most, if not all, members of the genus is edible both raw and cooked, and is potentially a good source of amino acids. Unfortunately the seed is also usually rather small and fiddly to utilize[].

Medicinal

The plant is astringent, diuretic and vulnerary. It is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, kidney and bladder troubles, blood in the urine[].
It is used as a wash to treat burns and wounds[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant has an extensive root system and is tolerant of dry conditions. It is used in erosion control projects, for the fixation of dunes and as a sand binder[].
Plants can be grown as a ground cover when spaced about 60cm apart each way[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Germination is usually free and easy. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer if they have reached sufficient size. If not, overwinter them in a cold frame and plant them out the following spring after the last expected frosts.
Division in spring or autumn. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.