The Variegated Horsetail 



Shallow ponds, ditches, and the edges of lakes are 

 frequently overrun by this horsetail, which often reaches 

 a height of 3 or 4 feet. 



Limosum y a Latin word meaning "full of mud," 

 refers to the nature of the soil in which this plant is 

 generally rooted. 



The Variegated Rough Horsetail, Equisetum varie- 

 gatum, grows generally on the seashore, where its much 

 branched rootstock and numerous fibrous roots help to 

 keep the shifting sand in its place. But it may also be 

 found on the banks of rivers and lakes. The barren 

 and the fertile stems, which are frequently nearly 

 prostrate, are seldom more than i foot high and are 

 more often much less. Towards the top they are 

 naked, the whorls of branches being confined to the 

 base. As the popular name suggests, they are very 

 rough to the touch. The ridges and furrows which 

 are very distinct vary in number from four to ten. It 

 is to the distinctive colouring of the sheaths, however, 

 that we turn for an explanation of the adjectives, 

 variegatum and variegated, appearing in the scientific 

 and common names, respectively. The short, dis- 

 tantly placed, and close-clinging sheaths are pale 

 green below and black above ; hence the appro- 

 priateness of the above terms when applied to this 

 horsetail. 



Our list of horsetails is completed with the species of 

 most importance from the standpoint of utility. This 

 is the Rough Horsetail, better known by the name 

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