Photo of Ephedra nevadensis close-up by Joe Decruyenaere

Photo by Joe Decruyenaere

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Ephedra nevadensis

Also Known As

  • Nevada Ephedra

Plant type

shrub, perennial

size

  • H: 3'-4'
  • W: 3'-4'

planting zones

  • 8a-10b

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Ephedra nevadensis plant details

Ephedra nevadensis is a broadleaf evergreen perennial shrub with blue foliage. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in alkaline, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Ephedra nevadensis

Plant type: perennial shrub
Plant family: ephedraceae
Foliage: evergreen blue
Mature size: 3 FT - 4 FT - wide, 3 FT - 4 FT - tall

GROWING CONDITIONS for Ephedra nevadensis

USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, heat
Soil needs: alkaline, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This silvery-to-olive branched, evergreen stemmy shrub is at home in the desert - or anywhere it gets plenty of sun & rocky or sandy soil, making it an excellent low-maintenance choice for landscaping a dry, rocky hillside or for habitat restoration. Tiny, scaled yellow leaves appear on broom-like whorled stalks that grow to 4' high & wide. A tea made from steeping the dried branches is thought to have a variety of medicinal uses.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Ephedra nevadensis plant

How to Grow Ephedra nevadensis

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • alkaline
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • blue
  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • deer resistant
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Ephedra for your garden

aka California Ephedra, California Jointfir, Cañatillo, Desert Tea

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 3'-5'

Width: 6'-20'

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Ephedra californica foliage by Stan Shebs
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aka Green Jointfir, Mormon Tea

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

6a-10b

Size

Height: 4'

Width: 3'

  • sun
  • dry in summer
Photo of Ephedra viridis foliage by Stan Shebs
View Plant

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aka Miniature Joint Fir

Plant Type

Shrub, Conifer

Zones

5a-7b

Size

Height: 6"

Width: 6"

  • sun
  • low
  • dry in summer
Photo of Ephedra regeliana form by James roberts
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aka Dwarf Joint Fir

Plant Type

Shrub, Conifer

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 12"

Width: 12"

  • sun
  • low
Photo of Ephedra minuta by Far Reaches Farm
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aka Ephedra americana andina, Ephedra americana v. andina, Ephedra andina, Pingo Pingo

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 2'-5'

Width: 3'-6'

  • sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Ephedra chilensis form by Heretiq
View Plant

More Options

+5 more Ephedra
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