Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Water or marginal plant
Mare’s-tail: when and how to prune
Hippuris vulgaris
Mare’s-tail is best pruned in August and October.
| Pruning months | August and October |
|---|---|
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Mare’s-tail: when to prune it?
Thin out in August and clear away dead stems in October.
Mare’s-tail: how to prune it?
- In August, use a sharp knife or secateurs to cut away stems and rhizomes growing outside the basket.
- In October, cut brown, dead stems back to just above the water surface.
- Leave some of the old stems standing: overwintering aquatic creatures shelter among them.
- Leave cut material on the bank for a day so small creatures can crawl back into the pond.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: August and October. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Put thinnings on the compost heap, never into a ditch or pond in the wild.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Mare’s-tail · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.