Ma Huang
Ephedra equisetina
- Native to:
- China, Kirgizstan, North Caucasus, Russia, Tadzhikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
Cheryll williams,Arkadiusz Nowak, Marcin Nobis, Sylwia Nowak, Agnieszka Nobis, Anna Wróbel, Sebastian Świerszcz, Ewelina Klichowska, Iwona Dembicz & Grzegorz Kusza,Drew Avery,Drew Avery,Salicyna,Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,Lazaregagnidze,Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Gnetophyta | - Mormon tea and other gnetophytes
- Family:
- Ephedraceae
- Genus:
- Ephedra
- Species:
- Ephedra equisetina
- USDA Symbol:
- EPEQ2
Growth Characteristics
- Height:
- 200 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun
- 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 base after fire damage; adapted to arid, fire-prone steppe environments.
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:
- native to arid and semi-arid regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best at warm temperatures (20-25°C) after cold stratification. Light may improve germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.