Mormon Tea Plant Care
Ephedra nevadensis S.Watson
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ephedra nevadensis, commonly known as Nevada ephedra, gray ephedra, Mormon tea and Nevada jointfir, is a species of gymnosperm native to dry areas of western North America.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun
50–90°F
10–40%
At a glance
How do you care for Mormon Tea?
Plant Mormon Tea in full sun (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 14–21 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F (10–32°C).
Where Is the Mormon Tea Native To?
What Is the Mormon Tea?
Mormon Tea (Ephedra nevadensis) belongs to the Ephedraceae family within the Ephedra genus. Mormon Tea is native to dry areas of western North America. Mormon Tea is also known as Desert Tea, Brigham Tea, Ephedra.
Mormon Tea displays a low shrub, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Mormon Tea produces inconspicuous, small flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 0.5 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Mormon Tea?
Water a young or newly planted Mormon Tea every 14–21 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Mormon Tea Need?
Mormon Tea thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mormon Tea Prefer?
Ephedra nevadensis tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Mormon Tea prefers humidity levels of 10–40%.
Temperature
50–90°F
Humidity
10–40%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mormon Tea?
Sandy, well-draining soil with low organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Mormon Tea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
Where Should You Plant a Mormon Tea?
Choose a spot with full sun and sandy, well-draining soil with low organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Mormon Tea is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Mormon Tea?
Mormon Tea can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Mormon Tea?
Prune Mormon Tea while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Mormon Tea in Winter?
Mormon Tea is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Mormon Tea?
Mormon Tea can be propagated through seed propagation. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mormon tea plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Mormon Tea Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Mormon Tea, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Mormon Tea?
Mormon Tea is susceptible to spider mites, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Mormon Tea Need?
Mormon Tea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Mormon Tea is native to dry areas of western North America. In cooler regions, grow Mormon Tea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Mormon Tea is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Ephedra genus — compare its care with other Ephedra species on PlantoScan.
Ephedra is part of the Ephedraceae plant family — browse all Ephedraceae genera and species.
Mormon Tea thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Ephedra Species
Other Ephedra species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ephedra nevadensis S.Watson, family Ephedraceae (first published in Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 14: 298 (1879)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mormon Tea, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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