Xeriscape Landscaping Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
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Shrubs

Mormon Tea, Ephedra viridis

Mormon Tea, Ephedra viridis; March 28, 2006. Glendale.

Desert Tea Stems, Nodes	Mormon Tea, Leaves

Mormon Tea Ephedra viridis, Mormon Tea or Joint Fir Family: ( Ephedraceae ), Mormon Tea. Also called: Joint Fir, Long-leaf Ephedra, Desert Tea. An evergreen erect shrub, or herbaceous perennial shrub. It is slow growing, usually 18 inches to 5 feet tall. Most are about 3 feet tall. They have rigid branchlets, 3.5 mm in diameter, with nodes 1 1/4 to 3 2/3 inches apart with very tiny, opposite leaves at the nodes about 1/8 inch long. All Ephedras are cone bearing with separate male plants and female plants. The cones grow in the early spring. Archeological analysis reveals that about 60,000 years, Neanderthals in Iraq actually used Ephedra viridis as a medicinal plant. Used as an accent or background plant. This is a green accent shrub that contrasts well with other shrubs with lighter foliage. Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping. Height: About 1 1/2 - 5 feet in height. Spreading 3 - 12 feet. Flowers: Flowers and fruit are green cones that become very brittle and brown when dry. Blooming Time: March - May. Leaves: Barkless stems ranging from gray - blue with spikelike tips (E. torreyana) to bright yellow - green or dark - green (Ephedra viridis). Found: Found throughout Southwest Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and California. Elevation: 1,200 - 6,800 Feet. Habitat: Chalky/alkaline, Dry, Sandy, Well-drained/light soils. An ideal xeriscape landscape plant in Arizona. Miscellaneous: Flowering Photos Taken March 28, 2006. Glendale.