Mormon Tea
Ephedra viridisfam. Ephedraceae
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 →
Pl. F902 — Ephedra viridis
Ephedra viridisEphedra viridisEphedra viridisEphedra viridisEphedra viridisEphedra viridisEphedra viridisEphedra viridisEphedra viridisEphedra viridisEphedra viridisEphedra viridisEphedra viridisEphedra viridis
IOverview
Overview
Mormon Tea (Ephedra viridis) is a shrub native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming. Known for its light green stems that resemble small trees or bushes, this plant thrives in full sun and dry to moist soil conditions, thriving best in sandy or medium-textured soils with a pH between 7 and 8. While primarily recognized as an ornamental plant due to its distinctive appearance, Mormon Tea is also edible, with both the fruit and seed being consumable. Its hardiness ranges from zones 6-11, allowing it to grow up to 1.8 meters in height.
Quick answers
What is Mormon Tea?
Mormon Tea (Ephedra viridis) is a shrub native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Mormon Tea support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Mormon Tea thrives in full sun and prefers dry to moist conditions with well-draining soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It grows best in zones 6-11 and can reach a height of 1.8 meters as a shrub. For propagation, use seeds or cuttings. Given its native range across the western United States, it adapts well to similar climates. Ensure the soil pH is between 7 and 8 for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
6-11
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
1.8 m tall
Soil pH
7–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Mormon Tea for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance shrub that thrives in dry conditions.
- 1
What you'll need
A Mormon Tea plant or seeds, well-draining soil, and a sunny spot.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use light, sandy soil with good drainage. Ensure containers have holes for excess water.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants or sow seeds directly where they will grow. Space them about 1 meter apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid rotting the roots, then reduce watering as the plant establishes itself.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and minimal water once established. Prune lightly if needed for shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring before new growth starts, but avoid cutting too much.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, and not providing enough sunlight are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:Dye
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
8 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
8 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 8 native
Broader regions
native:Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · f90243ab-d31a-4598-8bed-d668b0540283
Decision aid
Choosing between Mormon Tea and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.