Mares tail is easily recognised by its upright, fir tree-like shoots that appear in summer.
In spring, fertile light brown stems, 20-50cm (10-20in) tall, appear with a cone-like spore producing structure at the end of the stems.
In summer, sterile green shoots develop into fir tree-like plants, 60cm (2ft) tall.
Mares tail dates back to the time of the dinasours