Equisetum hyemale is an evergreen, slow-growing, rhizomous herb found in shaded open wet woodlands along streams and river banks. It is native throughout temperate Asia, North America, South America and Europe. It is a popular ornamental plant in temperate areas. E. hyemale reproduces almost entirely by rhizomes, although it also produces spores. Small pieces of tuber or rhizome broken from the parent plant can grow into new plants.