Ephedra californica
Desert tea, CA ephedra
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:
Move turf away form sidewalks and pavement.
Instead plant shrubs or groundcovers next to the pavement, and water with low-flow drip or bubbler system to eliminate runoff from turf sprinklers