Mormon Tea
Ephedra viridis
Plant Details:
Plant Type: Shrub
Plant Family: Ephedraceae
Plant Description: Leafless evergreen shrub with bright green wiry stems. Stems are finely furrowed and jointed growing in broom-like structures. Flowers are inconspicuous. Allegedly used by Mormon pioneers to make a medicinal tea. Very drought tolerant. Needs no additional water but requires well-drained soils. Survives in very tough conditions in nature.
Maintenance:
Maintenance Type: Shrub - Evergreen
Plant Care: Shrub - Evergreen (woody multi-stemmed plants that keep their leaves and color during winter): Only minimal pruning is required and mostly to retain a desirable shape. Pruning should be done in early spring. Monitor for pests, diseases or other ailments on a regular basis.
Plant Attributes:
Mature Size: 2-5' tall and wide
Utah Native: Yes
Plant Select: No
Pollinator Friendly: No
Localscapes: Foundation Plant
Foliage Interest: No
Foliage Colors: Green
Bloom Colors: Yellow, Inconspicuous
Bloom Seasons: Spring
Bloom Period: Apr - Apr
Growing Conditions:
Hardiness Zone: 3 to 6
Light Requirement: Full Sun (6+ hrs sun)
Irrigation Requirement: 
Very Low (Water to Establish)
Very Low (Water to Establish)
Salt Tolerant: Yes
Deer Resistant: Unknown
Garden Location:
-
Design Path
- Easy Does It
-
Maintenance Path
- Moving Day
- Outsmart Invaders
-
Spring -
Summer -
Fall -
Winter
