On Sat, 09 Sep 2006 06:50:11 GMT, Pam Moore wrote:

I am not very well informed on these. I thought they were the same
thing!

You are not alone... Thought I'd have a did about the web and find some
references. Many mention Horsetail or Marestail for the same plant,
Equisetum arvense. This is the invasive, hard to kill, prehistoric plant.

Wikipedia is informative:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horsetail

and the previously posted:
http://www.dgsgardening.btinternet.co.uk/horsetail.htm

Mares Tale (Hippuris vulgaris)
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/pl...ons/hipvul.htm
l
http://makeashorterlink.com/?O2D354BBD

Is similar but looks to be a water or a least marsh plant. Unlike
Horsetail which grow almost anywhere. The "Maybe confused with" part of
the above link is good.

I knew it was almost impossible to get rid of but wondered if anyone
had any experience of it and any advice to give.

Move, but we've been down that one. B-)

It appears that this patch is well established. I think I'd go for the
bruising of stems and immediate application of glyphosphate. On the basis
that it will have an extensive and deep root system and the only way to
effectively get at that is by poison.

--
Cheers
Dave. pam is missing e-mail