Desert Tea, Ca Ephedra

Overview

Ephedra californica, or Desert Tea, is a resilient, drought-tolerant shrub standing 1-4 feet tall with jointed green stems. It thrives in USDA zones 7-10, prefers full sun and well-draining sandy soils. Offering minimalistic aesthetics and a heritage of medicinal use, this evergreen's small, scale-like leaves conserve water, while tiny yellow cones add subtle interest. Space 3-6 feet apart for naturalistic or xeriscaped designs.