This document summarizes information about the phylum Sphenophyta, or horsetails. It discusses how horsetails were once large woody trees but now only the genus Equisetum remains. Equisetum has jointed, ribbed stems that make a rasping noise when rubbed. The document outlines the classification of horsetails, describes their life cycle including heterosporous reproduction, and lists some common species of Equisetum that can grow in moist habitats.