Mare's-tail, Common mare's-tail, Hippuris fluviatilis
Family
Plantaginaceae (plantain family)
Origin
Eurasia and North America, north to Greenland; native in Britain
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
60 cm
Temperature
5–22°C
pH
7–8.5
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Bright light or full sun
Care
Mare's-tail is a creeping perennial of shallow water and mudflats across Eurasia and North America, including Britain. It roots under water from stout rhizomes and sends up unbranched, solid stems with whorls of 6–12 narrow leaves, like a bottlebrush. Stems reach about 60 cm and in shallow water stand 20–30 cm above the surface. Do not confuse it with horsetail (Equisetum), which shares the name mare's tail. It prefers non-acidic water. It is mainly a pond and marginal plant; it can be grown submerged in a cool, bright tank, but our sources do not cover aquarium use, and it suits warm tropical tanks poorly. Temperature is our estimate, not from the sources; the pH reflects its preference for non-acidic water. Wikipedia notes (without a reference) that it can become a troublesome weed that blocks rivers and ditches. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippurisvulgaris); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.
Breeding
Spreads by its rhizomes; dig up and divide a clump in spring, or replant rooted stem pieces in shallow water.
Compatibility and tank mates
A good native plant for wildlife ponds and coldwater set-ups; generally ignored by pond fish. Unsuitable for warm tropical tanks.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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