Ephedra nevadensis
Family: Ephedraceae
Woody perennial shrub. Native to the deserts of the American
Southwest, from Texas to California. First, lest certain elements
of my audience become unduly excited, this species of Ephedra contains
very little or none of the stimulant alkaloid ephedrine (see instead.....Sida).
Mormon tea, which consists of the jointed twigs of this curious and ancient
shrub, was first used by the Paiute, Shoshone and Zuni to promote urination
and to cleanse the urinary tract in the treatment of infection. Makes
a congenial green tea, which is astringent, tastes pleasant and has
a marked bronchial dilating and sinus drying effect. Cultivation:
Easy. Sow the seeds in sand in a warm place. Water daily.
Germ. in 11-15 days. Prick the seedlings into pots, and take care
of them as you would a cactus. If you live in Michigan, keep them
in a south window. It is not so much the cold that would kill them
if you planted them out, but rather the wet. If you live at elevation
in Texas, Nevada or California, they can be planted outside, where they
will lend a flavor of the old west to yard, patio or rock garden.
Space plants 3 feet apart. Grows 3 to 5 feet tall.
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