Ephedra californica

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Ephedra californica

Desert tea, CA ephedra

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Information by: PlantMaster Photographer: 2. gymnosperms.org

Description

This unusual looking shrub appears to be leafless. Leaf stems are gray green when new, changing to yellow gray with maturity. Tiny leaves grow at the nodes. This plant may reach 3' tall and 4-'5' wide. This plant is found in desert areas of AZ, So. CA and Baja CA. Many folks put the twigs in boiling water to make a medicinal tea. This plant prefers full sun, well draining and sandy soil. It is drought tolerant once it's established.

Plant Type

Shrub

Height Range

1-3'

Width Range

3-6'

Flower Color

n/a

Flower Season

n/a

Leaf Color

Yellow Green, Grey, Yellow

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

Water

Very Low

Growth Rate

Moderate

Soil Type

Sandy, Rocky

Soil Condition

Well-drained, Dry

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

Accenting Features

Unusual Foliage

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Location Uses

Patio, Park, Parking Lot, Raised Planter, Roadside, With Rocks

Special Uses

Cascade, Container, Medicinal

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Water Saving Tip:

Water high water-use plants separately from low water-use plants.

Low water-use plants can grow with one-half the water needed by high water-use plants, and can be easily damaged from over watering.