Wasowski, Sally and Andy
Ephedra antisyphilitica Berl. ex C.A. Mey.
Mormon tea, Joint-fir, Clapweed, Popote
Ephedraceae (Mormon-Tea Family)
An upright or spreading
shrub found on limestone hillsides, on bluffs, and in gravelly or stony upland soils. Jointed branches green to yellowish or grayish green, with a light orange to yellow or tan band encircling the
stem below the leaves. Leaves minute, scalelike at the joints. Reproductive structures in small cones, 1/4 to l/2 inch long, emerging from the joints. Not to be confused with either Horsetail or Scouring-rush,
genus Equisetum, which are herbaceous.
Image Gallery:
6 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Shrub Leaf Complexity: Simple Flower:
Fruit: Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Not Applicable
Bloom Time: Feb , Mar , Apr
Bloom Notes: Reproductive structures in small cones.
Distribution
USA: OK , TX
Native Habitat: Prairie, Plains, Meadows, Pastures, Savannahs, Canyons, Ditches, Ravines, Depressions
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Cold Tolerant: yes
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Rocky
Gravelly, Caliche type, Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam
Clay
Conditions Comments: This plant is a gnetophyte and has neither flowers nor leaves, and is easily overcome by other, more hardy species. The green
stem of the plant grows and branches from nodes. Instead of flowers the plant developes cones which produce spores. Do not overwater. Protect from rabbit and deer.
2009-04-08
