Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Ephedra trifurca is a species of Ephedra known by the common names longleaf jointfir and Mexican tea. It is native to many of the northern states of Mexico and the southwestern United States, where it is a resident of desert scrub plant communities. This sprawling shrub may approach two meters in height. It is made up of erect, sharp-pointed twigs which are light green when young and age to yellowish or greenish gray. It has curling, pointed leaves at its nodes which are up to 1.5 centimeters long and persistent. Male plants produce pollen cones at the nodes, each up to a centimeter long, and female plants produce seed cones which are slightly larger and each contain one seed in a papery envelope.

Plant type

Shrub

Size

6 - 15 ft Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Moderate

Calscape icon
Color

Yellow

Flowering season

Spring

Special uses

Hedge

Sun

Full Sun

Soil description

Prefers sandy or loamy soils. Does not grow well in clay soils.

Sunset Zones

2*, 3*, 7*, 8*, 9*, 10*, 11*, 12*, 13, 14*, 15, 16, 18*, 19*, 20*, 21*, 22*, 23*

Plant communities

Creosote Bush Scrub