Common Name: Mormon Tea

General Information

Ephedra nevadensis is a much-branched, erect evergreen shrub with very small, scale-like leaves and green, wiry stems where most of the photosynthesis takes place; it can grow around 25 - 150cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine
Ephedra nevadensis has a large range across western N. America and appears common and abundant where found. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

Many species in this genus contain phenylethylamine alkaloids (e.g. ephedrine, pseudoephedrine). These compounds have stimulant properties and are effective medications in the treatment of a number of conditions. However, they do also have potential side effects and are contraindicated in a number of conditions including anxiety, anorexia, bulimia, diabetes, glaucoma, hypertension, thyrotoxicosis[].

Botanical References

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Range

South-western N. America - Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, northern Mexico (Chihuahua).

Habitat

Dry, rocky slopes and hills, rarely in sandy flat areas, at elevtions of 700 - 2,200 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.20 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Ephedra species are mainly temperate to subtropical plants, native to arid and semi-arid regions and are also found in seasonally dry habitats such as Mediterranean climates. They are often found at moderate to high elevations, especially when they occur in tropical regions
Requires a well-drained loamy soil and a sunny position[, ]. Established plants are drought resistant and are also lime tolerant[].
A dioecious species - both male and female forms must be grown if fruit and seed are required.
Plants require a good summer in order to fully ripen their wood - this will encourage good flowering and fruiting the following summer.

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw. A sweet but very mild flavour[].

Seed - cooked[, , , , , ]. A bitter taste[]. It can be roasted and ground into a powder and used to make a bread or mush[].

A delicious tea is made by steeping the green or dried twigs in boiling water until they turn an amber or pink colour[, , , , , ].

Medicinal

The stems are blood purifier, diuretic, febrifuge and tonic[, , , ]. They are beneficial in the treatment of urogenital complaints[, , ]. An infusion has been used in the treatment of kidney problems, gonorrhoea and the first stages of syphilis[].
A poultice of the powdered stems has been applied to sores[].

Ephedra species, especially those found in Asia, have a long history of medicinal use, particularly in the treatment of respiratory conditions such as asthma, hay fever, catarrh and coughs. They are also considered to be antisyphilitic, antipyretic and circulatory stimulants. The main active substances are alkaloids, particularly ephedrine and the closely related pseudoephedrine, though many other alkaloids can be present[, ].
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are found mainly in the Asian species; those species in the Americas generally have much lower or zero levels, though they do contaim various other alkaloids. These American species often have a high reputation as a refreshing tonic tea that promotes kidney and urinary tract health[, ].

Other Uses

The burnt stems provide a good quality charcoal for tattooing. The charcoal is mashed, a little water added and a design made with it on the skin[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a greenhouse[]. It can also be sown in spring in a greenhouse in a sandy compost[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse. Plant out in the spring or early summer after the last expected frosts and give some protection in their first winter[].
Division in spring or autumn[].
Layering.