Is Mormon Tea edible?

Yes — Mormon Tea (Ephedra nevadensis) is catalogued as edible in this database. Always confirm species ID before harvest and source from clean ground.

Mormon Tea is generally regarded as well-tolerated, but no plant is risk-free. Avoid during pregnancy/nursing without clinician approval, and discontinue if adverse effects occur. Always disclose herbal use to your prescriber.

Is Mormon Tea safe during pregnancy?

This database does not flag Mormon Tea with pregnancy-specific contraindications, but no herb should be assumed safe in pregnancy without clinician review. Consult a licensed herbalist or your prenatal care provider before use.

How should Mormon Tea be stored?

Dried Mormon Tea keeps 12–18 months in an airtight glass jar away from direct sunlight and moisture. Volatile-oil constituents degrade faster — buy in small quantities and use within 6 months of opening for peak potency. Refrigerate tinctures once opened.

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IIIFolio · plant profile№ 3CEDmedicinal · edible

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Mormon Tea

Ephedra nevadensisfam. Celastraceae

Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →

medicinal edibleshrubsshrubedible fruitnative amdrought tolerantmedicinaledible

Updated7 July 2026·Quick Q&A →

Ephedra nevadensis (Mormon Tea) — botanical photograph

Pl. 3CED — Ephedra nevadensis

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Overview

Mormon Tea (Ephedra nevadensis) is a subshrub or shrub native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and parts of Mexico's Northwest. Known for its edible and medicinal properties, this plant thrives in full sun with dry to moist conditions and light (sandy) to medium soil types. It is hardy in zones 5-9 and can grow up to 1.2 meters tall. Mormon Tea is valued both as an ornamental plant and for its fruit and seed parts, which are edible. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to survive in challenging environments, making it a resilient addition to gardens and landscapes.

Quick answers

What is Mormon Tea?

Mormon Tea (Ephedra nevadensis) is a subshrub or shrub native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and parts of Mexico's Northwest.

Full Q&A reference →

Compare with:Ma Huang→Ma Huang→Japanese Spindle Tree→all comparisons →

IV·b

Mixology suggestions

1 draft

Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.

Elevated Focus

focus

tincture

ephedra nevadensis2p

mentha satureioides1p

Historically used to enhance mental clarity and alertness.

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Growingconditions · propagation · uses

Cultivation

Mormon Tea thrives in full sun and prefers dry to moist conditions with well-draining light or medium soil. It is hardy in zones 5-9 and can grow up to 1.2 meters tall as a subshrub or shrub. Propagate through seeds, which are edible parts of the plant. Maintain a pH between 7 and 8.5 for optimal growth.

Light

Full sun

Water

Dry, Moist

Soil

Light (sandy), Medium

Hardiness

5-9

Habit

Subshrub, Shrub

Mature size

1.2 m tall

Soil pH

7–8.5

For first-time growers

How to grow Mormon Tea for the first time

8steps

Start with a simple, low-maintenance approach to growing Mormon Tea.

1
What you'll need
A small piece of Mormon Tea plant or seeds, well-draining soil, and a container or garden bed.
2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.
3
Soil and container prep
Use a sandy, well-draining potting mix with a pH between 7 and 8.5 for containers or prepare garden soil that is light and dry.
4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants or sow seeds directly into the prepared soil, covering them lightly.
5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to keep the soil slightly moist but not wet. Place in full sun for best growth.
6
Ongoing care
Water only when the soil is dry and provide plenty of sunlight. Prune lightly if needed, especially after flowering.
7
Harvest or pruning
Prune any dead or overgrown branches to maintain shape and health. Harvest young shoots for culinary use in late spring.
8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, and not providing enough sunlight are common issues beginners should avoid.

Edible & utility

Edible parts:FruitSeed

Edible uses: Tea

Contextrange · companions · related

VII

Distribution

6 native · 0 introduced

Distribution across0 continents· 6 native

Broader regions

native:Arizona, California, Mexico Northwest, Nevada, Oregon, Utah

Specimen gallery

1 image

Explore further

Companion planting

Mormon Tea companions →

Compare with similar plants

vs Ma Huang vs Ma Huang vs Japanese Spindle Tree

Growing zone

USDA zone 5-9

XII

About this entry

Last updated: 7 July 2026
Citation: How to cite this entry · Submit a correction

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Mormon Tea

Overview

What is Mormon Tea?

Mixology suggestions

Cultivation

How to grow Mormon Tea for the first time

What you'll need

Best time to plant

Soil and container prep

Sowing or transplanting

First two weeks

Ongoing care

Harvest or pruning

Common mistakes