Green Mormon tea

Ephedra viridis

Leafless jointed evergreen shrub up to 5 ft. tall with primitive cone flowers, blooming March to August. Adapted to sandy, gravelly or rocky undeveloped soils in deserts, desert grasslands and woodlands; 2,000 to 10,000 ft. elevation. Less tolerant of alkaline and saline soils than Nevada ephedra (E. nevadensis). Often occurs within big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata spp.), saltbush (Atriplex spp.), Creosote bush (Larrea tridentata), Utah serviceberry (Amelanchier utahensis) and pinyon-junipers communities. May sprout vigorously after wildfire. Important wild ungulate forage on winter ranges. Seeds are favored by many small mammals and are also eaten by mountain quail. Provides cover for small animals and upland birds.