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Ephedra viridis
Ephedra viridis Coville
Mormon Tea
Ephedraceae (Mormon-Tea Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: EPVI
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Mormon-tea is a 3 ft. shrub with numerous yellowish-green branches. Paired, bristle-tipped leaves split and fall off early leaving a leafless, broom-like shrub. Cone-like flowers are light-yellow.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf: Green
Flower:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: YellowBloom Time: Apr
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , CO , NM , NV , OR , UT , WYNative Distribution: CA deserts & n. along e. slope of the Sierras to s.e. OR, e. to AZ & s.w. CO
Native Habitat: Deserts; dry, rocky slopes & canyon walls; 3000-7500 ft.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Dry, rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available
Propagation
Description: Grown from seed. Seeds germinate best at alternating termperatures with quite cold nighttime temps. Seedlings grow rapidly and can be easily transplanted.Seed Collection: On good seed years, abundant collections of seeds can be obtained by flailing the fruit branches over an open tray.
Seed Treatment: 1 month stratification gives good results.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Additional resources
USDA: Find Ephedra viridis in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Ephedra viridis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Ephedra viridis
Metadata
Record Modified: 2016-02-19Research By: TWC Staff