Scouring-rush

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Scouring-rush inflorescence

Scouring-rush

Scouring-rush cones

Scouring-rush

Scouring-rush cones

Scouring-rush

Scouring-rush

Scouring-rush

Morphology

Culm

Erect, evergreen, unbranched or irregularly branched when older, .2 to .75 inch in diameter, hollow, jointed, ridged; ridges with silica deposits.

Leaves

Inconspicuous, reduced to small tooth-like scales fused together in a cylindrical sheath at each node.

Sheath

Flattened or flared at the top, .2 to .75 inch long, green when young, developing dark brown or black ring, portion above the ring becoming tan, white, or grayish; teeth numerous, persistent or shed, lanceolate, less than .2 inch long, firm and stiff to thin and paper-like, twisted, blackish, margins colorless, tips pointed.

Inflorescence

Cones, solitary, sessile or short-stalked, ellipsoid, .2 to 1 inch long, terminal; tip ending in abrupt, flexible point; cone composed of spore-bearing bodies; spores numerous, minute, spherical.

Ecology

Habitat

Edges of streams and lakes, ditches, and woodlands; shaded or exposed moist soils.

Distribution

East half of Kansas.

Practical Information

Toxicity

Scouring-rush can be toxic to cattle and horses but is rarely consumed. It can be a a problem when fed in hay.

Uses

The stems contain silica. They were sometimes used to smooth items made of wood and bone, polish fingernails and arrow shafts, and scour pots and pans. The hollow stems were also used as straws to give children medicine. Native Americans used scouring-rush medicinally. The Cheyenne and Blackfeet used it as a medicine for horses.

Additional Notes