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Mormon Tea

Ephedra Viridis

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Overview

Ephedra viridis, commonly known as Mormon Tea, is a hardy evergreen shrub native to the Southwestern US. It reaches up to 3-4 feet tall and wide and thrives in USDA zones 5-9. Its jointed green stems are leafless, with tiny, scale-like leaves. This drought-tolerant plant prefers full sun and well-draining soils, making it an excellent choice for water-wise landscapes and rock gardens. Avoid excessive watering to promote healthy growth.

Sun FullWater Very LowZones 9–10Type ShrubClimate Arid
Mormon Tea (Ephedra Viridis) — Ephedra viridis, commonly known as Mormon Tea, is a hardy evergreen shrub native to the Southwestern US; this, image 89

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Very Low
USDA zones
9–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Shrub
Family
Ephedraceae
Climate
Arid

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Photos (128)

Mormon Tea (Ephedra Viridis) — It prefers well-drained soils and full sun exposure but can tolerate a range of soil types; thriving in USDA, image 103
Mormon Tea (Ephedra Viridis) — with a similar spread.<br><br>The growth habit of Ephedra viridis is upright and often clumping; is an evergreen shrub native to
Mormon Tea (Ephedra Viridis) — scientifically referred to as Ephedra viridis; it reaches up to 3-4 feet tall and wide and thrives in USDA zones 5-9, image 73
Mormon Tea (Ephedra Viridis) — Its small, scale-like leaves are virtually inconspicuous, and the stems perform photosynthesis; shrub for full, image 57
Mormon Tea (Ephedra Viridis) — This resilient plant is known for its striking; as long as there is adequate drainage
Mormon Tea (Ephedra Viridis) — Its small, scale-like leaves are virtually inconspicuous, and the stems perform photosynthesis
Mormon Tea (Ephedra Viridis) — It prefers well-drained soils and full sun exposure but can tolerate a range of soil types
Mormon Tea (Ephedra Viridis) — as early Mormon settlers brewed a tea from its stems; its small, scale-like leaves are virtually inconspicuous, and the stems
Mormon Tea (Ephedra Viridis) — making it an excellent choice for water-wise landscapes and rock gardens
Mormon Tea (Ephedra Viridis) — making it an excellent choice for water-wise landscapes and rock gardens; jointed green stems that lack traditional, image 93
Mormon Tea (Ephedra Viridis) — Minimal maintenance is required
Mormon Tea (Ephedra Viridis) — with a similar spread.<br><br>The growth habit of Ephedra viridis is upright and often clumping; is an evergreen, image 55
Ephedra Viridis
Ephedra Viridis
Ephedra Viridis
Ephedra Viridis
Ephedra Viridis
Ephedra Viridis
Ephedra Viridis
Ephedra Viridis
Ephedra Viridis
Ephedra Viridis
Ephedra Viridis
Ephedra Viridis
Photographs by 4 contributors

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