Longleaf Jointfir (Ephedra trifurca)

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

Ephedra trifurca is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). It is in leaf all year, in flower from March to May. 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. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

A tea is made from the branches. Fruit - raw or cooked. — A tea is made from the branches.; Fruit - raw or cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry sandy and rocky places below 600 metres in Creosote bush scrub, deserts etc. Dry rocky slopes to flat sandy areas at elevations of 500 - 2000 metres. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)