Green Mormon Tea Seeds (Ephedra viridis) 20 Seeds

Bright stems from the American Southwest

Green Mormon Tea (Ephedra viridis) is a perennial shrub from the Ephedraceae family, native to the dry rocky slopes, gravel terraces, and canyon walls of the western United States, from California and Nevada across to Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico, at elevations of 800-2500 metres. What makes it immediately recognisable is its structure: instead of conventional leaves, the plant carries rigid, bright yellow-green jointed stems that do the work of photosynthesis. The small leaf-like scales at each joint are reduced and deciduous, leaving persistent brown bases. It has a long history of traditional use across the American Southwest, where the stems have been prepared as a tea.

Growing Green Mormon Tea from seed

Sow seeds no deeper than 5 mm in well-drained, sandy soil, good drainage is non-negotiable, as the plant is adapted to arid terrain and will not tolerate waterlogged roots. Warmth helps germination, which typically begins around two weeks after sowing, though the pattern can be irregular, so don't write off a pot too soon. Growth after germination is slow, and the plant needs full sun throughout. One thing worth knowing before you plan for seed production: Ephedra viridis is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate plants. You will need both to produce seeds.

What the mature plant looks like

At maturity, Green Mormon Tea takes on a broomlike, evergreen form, typically reaching between roughly 0.3 and 1.5 metres tall. In spring, male plants produce small pale yellow cones (5-7 mm); female cones are slightly larger (6-10 mm) and each contains two smooth, brown, triangular seeds. The jointed photosynthetic stems give the plant its distinctive appearance year-round. Those same stems have a long history of use as a tea plant across the American Southwest, context worth keeping in mind as you grow it, though this product is seeds for cultivation only.

Advisory Information

Not suitable for persons under 18. Insufficient data on use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Consult a health professional when using medication, or if suffering from an illness or health complaint. Start with a low amount to assess your response.