home/ plants/ ephedra-antisyphilitica

// SPECIES PROFILE · SHRUB · NATIVE

Mormon tea

Ephedra antisyphilitica

Mormon tea (Ephedra antisyphilitica) is a shrub in the — family. Native range includes OK — verified against the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center native distribution database. Hardy in zones 6a–10a. Mature size 6"–3'.

// QUICK FACTS
Family
—
Group
shrub
Native range
Native to OK, TX
USDA hardiness
Zones 6a–10a
Mature size
6"–3'
Sun
Part shade
Water
Low · xeric
Bloom
—
Wildlife value
Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role
native species profile
Mormon tea (Ephedra antisyphilitica)
Ephedra antisyphilitica — Mormon tea. Photo by Clarence A. Rechenthin @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Mormon tea (Ephedra antisyphilitica) is a shrub in the — family. Native range includes OK — verified against the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center native distribution database. Hardy in zones 6a–10a. Mature size 6"–3'. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, mormon tea pairs naturally with: American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), American Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), Chickasaw Plum (Prunus angustifolia).

← All species