Field hail (Chattail)

Known as Equisetum arvense L., the field hail or cattail is a perennial spring plant. It grows all over the world except in Australia. It greatly appreciates water and grows most often on the edge of lakes and pools. It is recognized by its stem with specific rings. Depending on the season, it may have two different types of stems: - a fertile, smooth, non-chlorophylal stem 15-25 cm reddish white, - a sterile stem 20-80 cm green. This stem shape resembles a horse tail and is divided into segments that detach easily. The hail of the fields gives no fruit or flowers. It has leaves in the form of a toothed sheath at the nods of stems and branches.