Meadow Horsetail (Equisetum pratense)

Family: Equisetaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Equisetum species - horsetail family are Creeping, perenial, Branching rootstocks, rooted at the nodes. The Arial stems may be annual or Perennial, are cylindrical, fluted, simple or with whorled branches at the jointed nodes. The internodes are usually hollow. The Surfaces of the stems are covered with Silica. The Cones are terminal.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Roots - raw or cooked. Caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. A further report says that the peeled stems, base of the plant, root and tubers were eaten raw by the N. — Roots - raw or cooked.; Caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.; A further report says that the peeled stems, base of the plant, root and tubers were eaten raw by the N.; American Indians, the report went on to say that this may be inadvisable.

Habitat & North American Range

Grassy stream banks, up to 900 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)