American Ephedra (Ephedra americana andina)

Family: Ephedraceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Ephedra americana andina is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.8 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to July. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet flavour, but fairly boring. — A sweet flavour, but fairly boring.; The fruit is about 8mm in diameter.

Habitat & North American Range

Stony slopes and gravel terraces. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)