Shrub
Mormon Tea
Ephedra viridis
Jointed, bright green stems like a desert horsetail. Evergreen texture with zero water.
- Native
- Evergreen
Quick facts
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 5–9
- Water
- Very low once established
- Sun
- Full sun
- Size
- 2–4 ft tall × 2–4 ft wide
- Bloom & interest
- Broom-like bright green stems year-round; small yellow pollen cones in spring
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Native range
- Native to the Great Basin, Colorado Plateau and Mojave (UT, NV, AZ, CA, CO, NM, OR, WY)
Why we recommend it
A striking, nearly leafless native that holds bright green color all winter and controls erosion on dry slopes without irrigation.
Best regions: High DesertGreat BasinSouthwest
How to grow it
Watering to establish
Water every 1–2 weeks the first summer, then none.
Pruning
None needed.
Soil
Sandy, rocky or gravelly, well-drained soil; tolerates alkaline and salty soils.
Pairs well with
Read more
We haven't written about Mormon Tea in depth yet. Browse all plant guides.
Where to buy
Shop Mormon Tea from trusted growers. For the best selection of xeric plants, try a mail-order specialist or ask a local independent nursery.
- High Country Gardens (opens in a new tab)Xeric specialist
- Nature Hills Nursery (opens in a new tab)Wide selection
- American Meadows (opens in a new tab)Perennials & seeds
- Etsy (opens in a new tab)Small growers
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