Ephedra nevadensis aka Nevada Ephedra

Ephedra nevadensis is a shrub in the Ephedraceae family. It stays green throughout the year. People call it Mormon tea or Nevada jointfir. Its native range runs from southeastern Oregon to northern Baja California. It grows in the Great Basin and nearby dry regions. Wild plants grow on dry, rocky hills and slopes. Fewer grow on sandy flats. These sites lie about 2,300–6,230 feet [700–1,900 metres] above sea level.

The shrub forms a low, open mound with a round outline. It grows about 4 feet [1.2 metres] tall and wide. Its loose shape adds texture to dryland gardens. People use green or dried twigs to make tea. The Chicago Botanic Garden lists yellow blooms from March through June. Plants For A Future gives April through June, a shorter span. Each plant is either male or female. Wind moves pollen from one to the other. Gardeners need both sexes to get seeds.

Give this shrub full sun and soil that drains well. Plants For A Future says it cannot grow in shade. The Chicago Botanic Garden says part shade also suits it. It grows in sand and loam, including coarse mineral soils. The soil can be slightly acid, neutral, or slightly alkaline. It copes with drought and needs little water in gardens. Plants For A Future says it can stand moist soil too. The Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 5–9. Plants For A Future gives UK zone 6. It gives no RHS hardiness rating.

Use it in native dryland beds or mixed borders. Its open shape gives desert shrubland structure and shelter. Plants For A Future favors loose layouts over formal garden plans. Grow plants from seed under glass in autumn or spring. Give young plants shelter through their first winter. You can also divide plants or use layering to grow more. Plant seedlings outdoors in spring or early summer, once frost risk passes.

Plants For A Future lists raw fruit as mild and sweet. It also lists cooked seeds but questions their food value. People have roasted seeds and ground them for bread or mush. Stem tea has a stronger record of use. Past remedies used stems for sores and problems with passing urine. These records do not prove that such uses help or are safe. The source warns against heavy tea use over a long time. It cites risks to the nervous system. It also warns against eating seeds without restraint.