Scouring rush, also known as rough horsetail, is an ancient perennial plant characterized by its tall, slender, jointed stems that can reach heights of 2–5 feet. These dark evergreen, hollow stems are ridged and rough to the touch due to silica deposits, which historically made them useful for scouring pots and polishing metal . The high silica content also contributes to the plant’s resistance to herbicides, making it challenging to control . Scouring rush typically grows in moist to wet soils, often forming dense colonies through its robust rhizome system .