Nevada Jointfir, Mormon Tea, Popotillo (Ephedra nevadensis)

Nevada Jointfir, Mormon Tea, Popotillo
Scientific Name: Ephedra nevadensis S. Wats.
Synonym: Ephedra antisyphilitica Watson
Family: Ephedraceae
Recommended Temperature Zone:
sunset: 2-13
USDA: 7-11

Sun Exposure: Full sun, tolerates reflected heat
Origin: Southwestern USA (Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, Utah), Mexico , on dry slopes and hills at 2500 to 6500 feet elevation (700-1900 m)
Growth Habits: Shrub, slow growing to 1 to 5 feet tall (0.3-1.5 m); gray fissured bark; pale green to brownish green stems, almost leafless.
Watering Needs: Low water use
Propagation: Seeds in autumn

The branches are used fresh or dry to make a herbal tea. Its main active substance, ephedrin, increases the metabolism rate and his forbidden to the sale in the USA after having been associated to a number of death by cardiac arrest.

Blooming Habits:
Dioecious, produces small cones in early spring.

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