[3][4] Equisetum hyemale is native to central and northern Eurasia, including Iceland, Greenland, Kamchatka and Japan, where it forms clonal colonies in mesic (reliably moist) habitats, often in heavy clay or sandy soils in riparian zones of rivers and streams where it can withstand occasional flooding, but also in lime-rich upland flushes and seeps, and can indicate their presence when not flowing.

[2][5] Other habitats include moist forest and woodland openings, lake and pond shores, ditches, marshes and swamps.

The stems are 3–6 mm thick with 10–30 conspicuous ridges, which are impregnated with silica and rough to the touch (from which the English name derives).

[citation needed] Boiled and dried Equisetum hyemale is used as traditional polishing material, similar to a fine grit sandpaper, in Japan.

[citation needed] Equisetum hyemale cultivated as an ornamental plant, for use in contained garden beds and planters, and in pots.