Is Mormon Tea edible?

Yes — Mormon Tea (Ephedra viridis) 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№ F902medicinal · edible

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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 →

medicinal edibleshrubsmedicinaledible

Updated15 July 2026·Quick Q&A →

Ephedra viridis (Mormon Tea) — botanical photograph

Pl. F902 — Ephedra viridis

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Prezentare

Mormon Tea (Ephedra viridis) este o arborețelă nativă în zonele aride și semiaride ale Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah și Wyoming. Cunoscut pentru stemurile sale verde-argintice care par să fie mici arbori sau bușui, această plantă se dezvolte la plină lumină și în suporturi de pământ secuți sau umide, cu preferența pentru suporturi de pământ sandy sau medium-textured cu pH între 7 și 8. În timp ce este recunoscut în principal ca fiind o plantă ornamentală din cauza aspectului său distinctiv, Mormon Tea poate fi consumat, cu fructele și semințele fiind consumabile. Durabilitatea sa se extinde de la zone 6-11, permitând creșteri până la o înălțime de 1,8 m.

Quick answers

What is Mormon Tea?

Mormon Tea (Ephedra viridis) este o arborețelă nativă în zonele aride și semiaride ale Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah și Wyoming.

Full Q&A reference →

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.

Mormon Tea support blend

general

tea

ephedra viridis2p

mentha satureioides1p

AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.

Build your own blend with the Mixology Engine →

Growingconditions · propagation · uses

Cultivare

Mormon Tea se dezvolte la plină lumină și preferă condițiile secuți sau umide cu suporturi de pământ bine drenate care sunt light (sandy) sau medium. Crește cel mai bine în zone 6-11 și poate atinge o înălțime de 1,8 m ca arborețelă. Pentru propagare, utilizează semințe sau cuturi. Datorită domeniului său nativ extins peste statele vestice ale Statelor Unite, se adaptează bine la climaturile similare. Asigurați-vă că pH-ul suportului de pământ este între 7 și 8 pentru creșteri optimale.

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.

Edible & utility

Edible parts:FruitSeed

Edible uses: Tea

Other uses:Dye

Contextrange · companions · related

VII

Distribuție

8 native · 0 introduced

Distribution across0 continents· 8 native

Broader regions

native:Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming

Specimen gallery

1 image

Explore further

Companion planting

Mormon Tea companions →

Growing zone

USDA zone 6-11

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About this entry

Last updated: 15 July 2026
Citation: How to cite this entry · Submit a correction

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Mormon Tea

Prezentare

What is Mormon Tea?

Mixology suggestions

Cultivare

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