Meaning & use
Equisetum arvense
Last updated
UK/ˌekwɪˈsiːtəm ɑːˈvensi/
US/ˌekwɪˈsiːtəm ɑːrˈvensi/
Meaning
proper nounpropertechnicalbiology
The scientific name for field horsetail, a spore-producing plant with jointed, hollow stems.
Grammar: Scientific names are italicized and the genus is capitalized; the species is lowercase.
Patterns
- Equisetum arvense grows ...
- a patch of Equisetum arvense
- identify Equisetum arvense
Equisetum arvense is common in wet fields and along ditches.
The botanist pointed out Equisetum arvense growing near the stream.
Unlike flowering plants, Equisetum arvense reproduces by spores.
Common combinations
- field horsetail
- Field horsetail is the common name for Equisetum arvense.
- Equisetum arvense extract
- Some herbal remedies contain Equisetum arvense extract.
- jointed stems
- The jointed stems of Equisetum arvense make it easy to recognize.
Synonyms and how they differ
- field horsetail
- The everyday English name for the same plant; use it in general writing.
- common horsetail
- Another common name, less specific than the scientific name.
Word family
- Equisetaceae proper noun
- The plant family that includes horsetails.
- equisetoid adjective
- Technical: resembling or related to horsetails.
Practice
What kind of plant is Equisetum arvense?
Choose one answer.
Equisetum arvense is the scientific name for field horsetail, which reproduces by spores. It is not a flowering tree, moss, or seaweed.
Make it your own
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