Mormon Tea
Ephedra viridis
- Native to:
- United States
iNaturalist: © galash (iNaturalist #39495428)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Gnetophyta | - Mormon tea and other gnetophytes
- Family:
- Ephedraceae
- Genus:
- Ephedra
- Species:
- Ephedra viridis
- USDA Symbol:
- EPVI
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Evergreen Shrub:
- Yes
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- 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:
- thrives in arid, rocky environments
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.
Pre-treatment: Seeds are placed in cold stratification. They are also imbibed in water for 2 days and artificially stratified in a refrigerator for 30 days. Wet tumbling seems beneficial for this species.
Establishment: Seeds are wild collected during fall months and are kept separated according to site, elevation and source. Collected in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. There are regional variations in the distribution of Ephedra viridis.
Source: npn.rngr.net
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)
- Native Seed Group (seeds)
- Native Seed Group (seeds)