Sign In 
Get Premium Green Mormon Tea
(Ephedra viridis)
Green Mormon Tea (Ephedra viridis)
/
/
Millie Basden
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Millie Basden
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Millie Basden | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Millie Basden | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-06-02T08:16:01-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ephedra viridis, commonly known as Green Mormon Tea, is an evergreen shrub native to arid regions such as deserts, sandy plains, and scrublands in the Western USA. It typically grows to a height of 0.7-5 feet (0.2-1.5 meters) and a width of 0.7-4 feet (0.2-1.2 meters). This plant is characterized by its woody base and dense clusters of erect, bright green twigs that may yellow with age. The nodes on the twigs feature tiny pairs of vestigial leaves that start out reddish and dry to brown or black. As the leaves are non-functional, the stems perform photosynthesis. Male plants bear pollen cones at the nodes, each less than a centimeter long with protruding yellowish sporangiophores. Female plants produce seed cones that are slightly larger, each containing two seeds.
Green Mormon Tea is valued for its drought tolerance and unique appearance, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens in arid climates. It requires minimal maintenance and thrives in full sun with low water needs, preferring well-drained soils. While not known for showy flowers, its structural form and green twigs provide visual interest throughout the year. It is not commonly associated with significant diseases or pests, but its growth can be limited by poor soil conditions or overwatering.CC BY-SA 4.0
Green Mormon Tea is valued for its drought tolerance and unique appearance, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens in arid climates. It requires minimal maintenance and thrives in full sun with low water needs, preferring well-drained soils. While not known for showy flowers, its structural form and green twigs provide visual interest throughout the year. It is not commonly associated with significant diseases or pests, but its growth can be limited by poor soil conditions or overwatering.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 0.7-5 feet
- Width: 0.7-4 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to arid regions such as deserts, sandy plains, and scrublands in the Western USA
Other Names
Common Names: Green Ephedra, Indian Tea, Mormon Tea, Mormonefedra
Scientific Names: , Ephedra viridis, Ephedra viridis var. viridis, Ephedra nevadensis subsp. pluribraceata, Ephedra nevadensis subsp. viridis, Ephedra nevadensis var. viridis,
GBIF Accepted Name: Ephedra viridis Coville