Taxonomy

Division:

Gnetophyta | - Mormon tea and other gnetophytes

Family:

Ephedraceae

Genus:

Ephedra

Species:

Ephedra altissima

USDA Symbol:

EPAL3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

450 cm

Drought Tolerance:

High

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from woody base after fire or mechanical damage; adapted to arid, fire-prone Mediterranean and North African habitats.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–42 days

Notes:

Fresh seed germinates more readily. Prefers warm temperatures for germination after cold stratification.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI