 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: clarinetguy ★2017
Date: 2015-11-04 03:30
I was just out for a hike (it sure was a beautiful fall day), and found some reed rush. I've never used the "fresh" version before. Is it best to dry it before using it, and if so, for how long?
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Author: bmcgar ★2017
Date: 2015-11-04 03:47
It'll just slough off and mush up if you use it without drying it.
Dry it out until it's dry.
B.
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2015-11-04 04:41
Ah, equisetum (horsetail reed).
The last I got was along the 3rd fairway of one of my favorite golf courses. This reed has quite an interesting history and is most often found in sandy soil (the 3rd hole at Stone Ridge GC runs right along Sand Ridge Rd.). Bruce will know where that course is located just west of BG. Hence the silica in the reed.
I'd pop the sections apart while it is still fresh. Then let it dry and enjoy. Also, take a piece and rub it on your fingernail and you can see how little of your nail gets taken off each time. This is like really, really fine sand paper.
I think there are some videos on Youtube on the topic.
HRL
Post Edited (2015-11-04 06:07)
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2015-11-04 23:25
Anyone know if and/or where it might grow in the UK?
For 40+ years all I have seen is those tiny Leblanc plastic boxes with about 8 short pieces and at extortionate cost.
Does any place sell in small bulk quantities at reasonable price?
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2015-11-05 08:05
Norman,
Check moist sandy areas along lakes and streams. I've never looked around salt water but seeing the the latitude of the UK is not too much further north than the US Great Lakes region where equisetum thrives, you my find it.
If you have a university close by, a call to a botany professor might be a start. Here is a link to the Royal Horticultural Society.
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=257
Happy Horticulturing
HRL
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2015-11-06 04:05
Hank,
thanks for that lead.
The actual thread led to Equisetam arvense - which didn't quite look like what I was expecting but by searching on "Dutch Rush" the site came up with Equisetam hymale - common names for which also included scouring rush - shave rush etc so I think this must be the species needed.
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2015-11-06 08:35
Norman,
See how much botany you have already learned!
Yes, there are different strains of equisetum and you've gotten to the correct one. As far as the stuff I get on the golf course, which is the same as others use for their reeds, it is certainly Equisetum hyemale
I have forgotten much of my college biology; please forgive me but it has been a very long time. However, I should have been clearer that the genus is equisetum and the species is hyemale.
Happy Scouring,
HRL
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