Green Ephedra, Mountain Joint Fir

Ephedraviridis

Genus
Ephedra (eh-FED-ruh)
Species
viridis (VEER-ih-diss)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Foliage
Evergreen
Provides Winter Interest
Height
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
Spacing
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
Danger
N/A
Bloom Color
Orange
Gold (yellow-orange)
Bloom Time
Late Winter/Early Spring
Other Details
Category
Shrubs
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From hardwood heel cuttings
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
By simple layering
Seed Collecting
Remove fleshy coating on seeds before storing
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Phoenix, Arizona

Prescott, Arizona

Cortez, Colorado

Arlington, Texas

Magna, Utah

South Jordan, Utah

West Jordan, Utah

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Gardener's Notes:

2
positives
0
neutral
0
negative
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P
Phoenix, AZ | February 2015 | positive

Central Phoenix -- Ephedra viridis makes a nice not-too-dense filler plant for xeric locations. Mine grows in a bed raised 3 feet above ...Read More

R
Sultan, WA (Zone 8a) | October 2005 | positive

My grandfather grows this. We brew a wonderful tea from the dried greenery. Very slow grower, but worth it.

Also known...Read More

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