Field Horsetail (Equisetum arvense): Identification & Selective Herbicide Matrix
Quick Agronomic Summary
Halosulfuron-methyl (SedgeHammer) at higher label rates selectively eliminates Horsetail in turfgrass.
- Diagnostic Marker 1: Primitive non-flowering plant with hollow, jointed, ridged stems containing abrasive silica
- Diagnostic Marker 2: Whorls of thin, needle-like green branches radiating from stem joints resembling a miniature pine tree
- Diagnostic Marker 3: Extensive deep black rhizome system penetrating several feet into waterlogged acidic subsoil
What herbicide kills Field Horsetail in lawns?
Halosulfuron-methyl (SedgeHammer) at higher label rates selectively eliminates Horsetail in turfgrass.
Horsetail's silica-rich outer layer repels most herbicides. Halosulfuron inhibits ALS enzymes in the deep tubers. Always add NIS.
When to spray Field Horsetail?
Spray in late spring after vegetative green shoots have fully branched out.
Improving soil drainage and raising soil pH with lime discourages horsetail recurrence.
EPA-Registered Herbicides Labeled for Field Horsetail
The table below compares all selective herbicides in our database that control Field Horsetail, including active ingredient groups, application temperature limits (°F), and surfactant requirements.
| Brand Name & EPA Reg. | Active Ingredient & WSSA Group | Temp Window (°F) | Surfactant & Mixing Protocol | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SedgeHammer+ EPA Reg. 81880-24-10163 |
Halosulfuron-methyl 5% Group 2 (ALS Inhibitor / Sulfonylurea) |
60°F – 90°F Rainfast: 4h |
SedgeHammer+ single-scoop pouches already contain a built-in non-ionic surfactant. If using bulk SedgeHammer 75WG, add 2 tsp NIS per gallon. | Check Price at DoMyOwn View on Amazon |
Turfgrass Compatibility Matrix for Field Horsetail Herbicides
Always verify that your chosen herbicide is safe for your specific lawn grass before broadcast spraying:
How to Distinguish Field Horsetail from Lookalike Weeds
| Lookalike Species | Key Botanical & Diagnostic Difference |
|---|---|
| Nimblewill | Horsetail is a primitive spore-bearing fern ally with jointed silica-rich bamboo-like tubes, completely distinct from any true flowering grass. |