Key identifying traits
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Plants have deep spreading
rootstocks
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Stems are rough and hollow
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Stems are also segmented
and can be pulled apart easily
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End of the stems have a
spore-producing cone
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Plants can be from 1-3’
tall
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Leaves are teeth like
scales around the joints of the stems
Biology and ecology
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A perennial plant
spreading by rootstocks and spores
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It grows along stream
banks as well as in dry soils; also seen along roads and railroad tracks
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Scouringrush is native to
the U.S.
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It is toxic to animals,
horses in particular, both fresh and dry although usually will not be
grazed unless there is a shortage of desirable forage
-
Plants contain a high
amount of silica which makes it very difficult for herbicides to
penetrate
Control
Prevention –
Learn to identify plants; start monitoring early in the season
Biological –
No known biological control
Cultural –
Plant competitive grass or other cover crop
Mechanical –
Tillage will break up the rhizomes and may make infestations worse
Chemical – the
PNW Weed Management handbook does not list scouringrush for
recommendations but it is on the Telar label for control
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