Gerard Jointfir

Ephedra gerardiana

Native to:
Afghanistan, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tadzhikistan

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Gnetophyta | - Mormon tea and other gnetophytes
Family:
Ephedraceae
Genus:
Ephedra
Species:
Ephedra gerardiana
USDA Symbol:
EPGE2

Growth Characteristics

Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from woody base after fire; adapted to arid, fire-prone montane environments.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, 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, mountainous regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–42 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate best with cold stratification and light exposure. Germination can be erratic.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI