Mormon Tea (Ephedra nevadensis)

Family: Ephedraceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Ephedra nevadensis is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to June. 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, Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet but very mild flavour. — A sweet but very mild flavour.; It can be roasted and ground into a powder and used to make a bread or mush.; A delicious tea is made by steeping the green or dried twigs in boiling water until they turn an amber or pink colour.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry, rocky slopes and hills, rarely in sandy flat areas, at elevtions of 700 - 1900 metres. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)