Ephedra intermedia

Ephedra intermedia is an evergreen shrub in the Ephedraceae family. It also goes by the name Zhong Ma Huang. Its native range spans Iran, Central Asia, Mongolia, and the western Himalaya. It also grows in parts of China and Pakistan. Wild plants occupy grasslands, deserts, river valleys, and rocky ground. They also grow on sandy shores and dry mountain slopes. These habitats span a wide range of elevations.

Garden plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet (0.5–1 metre) tall. Their spread ranges from 0.3–1.6 feet (0.1–0.5 metres). Dense branches form a small, tufted shrub with upright shoots. The shoots have clear joints and a grey-green colour. Its evergreen growth gives the plant a lasting garden presence. Plants reach their mature size in about two to five years. The compact form suits beds where space is limited.

Small yellow-green flowers appear in summer and draw little notice. Female plants then bear red fruits. PFAF lists the fruit as edible, either raw or cooked. Each fruit measures about 0.02 feet (0.007 metres) across. The same source gives this plant a low food-use rating. It reports no known hazards, but this does not establish safety. PFAF also records medicinal alkaloids in this species, including ephedrine. Its medicinal rating is much higher than its food rating.

Choose full sun and a sheltered site for garden plants. A south-facing or west-facing spot fits the RHS guidance. Sandy soil with very free drainage suits it well. Soil can be poor or have a moderate nutrient level. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline conditions. The shrub tolerates drought and suits dry to moist soil. The RHS assigns it UK hardiness H4. PFAF lists USDA hardiness zones 5–9. These ratings use different systems and reflect different growing contexts.

Its upright shoots add shape to rock and gravel gardens. The RHS also suggests city gardens, courtyards, and low-maintenance planting. The grey-green growth and red fruits provide distinct garden features. It needs no routine pruning, according to the RHS. That source reports few usual pest or disease problems. Gardeners can raise new plants from seed or by division. PFAF does not flag it as a weed risk. It records no other uses beyond food and medicine.