Taxonomy

Division:

Gnetophyta | - Mormon tea and other gnetophytes

Family:

Ephedraceae

Genus:

Ephedra

Species:

Ephedra trifurca

USDA Symbol:

EPTR

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

120 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from root crown following fire; adapted to periodic burns in desert grassland and shrubland ecosystems.

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:

Common in arid desert regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–42 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate best with light and temperatures around 20-25°C after cold stratification.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI