Ephedra funerea — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Ephedra funerea

Ephedra Funerea

Updated · 3 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Ephedra funerea is a species of Ephedra, known by the common name Death Valley jointfir, Death Valley ephedra, or Mormon Tea. It is native to the Mojave Desert of California, Arizona and Nevada. It is named after a population in the Funeral Mountains, in Death Valley National Park.Native Americans and Mormon pioneers drank a tea brewed from this plant called Mormon Tea or Indian Tea.

A note from PlantMom

Death valley jointfir is resistant to disease and is generally not prone to illnesses. Regarding care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it requires minimal watering, and larger specimens typically do not need pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have finished blooming. Death valley jointfir is suitable for anyone with an outdoor space, such as a garden or deck, and does not require much care experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Ephedra Funerea.

Light

The death valley jointfir is native to open habitats like sunlit fields and woodland borders, where there's plenty of light. It flourishes in full sunlight but can also survive in partial sunlight, demonstrating its adaptability to different degrees of sunlight exposure.

Water

Adapted to the arid conditions of the desert, the Death Valley jointfir is exceptionally drought-tolerant and thrives in low humidity. It requires weekly watering and is best cultivated outdoors to mimic the water scarcity of its native habitat. This approach aligns its growth cycle with the sporadic rainfall patterns unique to its ecosystem.

Temperature

Death valley jointfir comes from tropical areas, where the climate is usually warm and humid. As a result, it is well adapted to high temperatures and humidity. It does not tolerate sudden temperature changes and prefers a stable temperature environment, so avoiding temperature fluctuations indoors is important. It generally cannot withstand cold and needs higher temperatures to grow. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.

Fertilizer

The care of Death Valley jointfir greatly depends on fertilization. A steady diet during the growth phase assists in maintaining energy for vibrant foliage and promotes overall development. Failure to fertilize can lead to poor leaf health, reduced decorative attractiveness, and inadequate or fragile growth susceptible to damage.

Pruning

The Death Valley jointfir is a resilient plant that thrives in drought conditions, characterized by its jointed stems and sparse foliage. To keep the plant healthy and well-shaped, prune it between early and late winter. This will help remove dead wood, encourage robust growth in the spring, and improve air circulation, which can prevent pest infestations.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Ephedra
Family
Ephedraceae
Hardiness Zone
7-10
Mature Height
30 cm to 91 cm
Mature Spread
0.49 m to 1.52 m
Leaf Color
Gray, Light Gray
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Summer
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Death Valley ephedra en Death Valley jointfir en Funera Mormon tea en Death Valley Mormon Tea
PLATES
Ephedra funerea habit
PLATE 01 · habit
Ephedra funerea habit
PLATE 02 · habit
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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