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Mormon Tea

Ephedra Viridis

Design with this plant

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 9–10Climate Arid
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 81

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Very Low
USDA zones
9–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Ephedraceae
Climate
Arid

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Photos (108)

Mormon Tea (Ephedra Viridis) — is an evergreen shrub native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States; this resilient plant is known, image 96
Mormon Tea (Ephedra Viridis) — jointed green stems that lack traditional leaves and can reach heights between 2 and 4 feet; ephedra viridis, image 98
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 99
Mormon Tea (Ephedra Viridis) — creating a unique textural component in the landscape; it prefers well-drained soils and full sun exposure but can, image 100
Mormon Tea (Ephedra Viridis) — Its small, scale-like leaves are virtually inconspicuous, and the stems perform photosynthesis; shrub for full, image 101
Mormon Tea (Ephedra Viridis) — thriving in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 9; scientifically referred to as Ephedra viridis, image 102
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) — as long as there is adequate drainage; where it can provide a sculptural element and year-round greenery, image 104
Mormon Tea (Ephedra Viridis) — Minimal maintenance is required; avoid excessive watering to promote healthy growth, image 105
Mormon Tea (Ephedra Viridis) — as early Mormon settlers brewed a tea from its stems; its small, scale-like leaves are virtually inconspicuous, and, image 106
Mormon Tea (Ephedra Viridis) — For the modern landscape designer; it is a practical choice for low-maintenance gardens, image 107
Mormon Tea (Ephedra Viridis) — it is a practical choice for low-maintenance gardens; making it an excellent choice for water-wise landscapes and, image 108

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