Equisetum produces terminal strobili, each of which consists of numerous stalked pads. Sporangia on the inner surface of the pads produce many spores. E. arvense ( the tallest shoot in the photo ) produces branchless, fertile shoots which develop before the vegetative shoots. E. sylvaticum ( leaning against E. arvense, far right in photo) produces strobili first, but then develops branches on the same shoots.

Young sprouts of E. sylvaticum, 10 to 15 cm tall, growing in swampy area of Eagle River Nature Center. 21 May, 2003