Jointfir

Ephedra distachya

Native to:
Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, China, Corse, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Krym, Lebanon-Syria, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Romania, Russia, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Turkmenistan, Ukraine

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Taxonomy

Division:
Gnetophyta | - Mormon tea and other gnetophytes
Family:
Ephedraceae
Genus:
Ephedra
Species:
Ephedra distachya
USDA Symbol:
EPDI2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
50 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Evergreen Shrub:
Yes
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers arid and semi-arid conditions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
30–90 days
Notes:
Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.