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Summary
Physical Characteristics
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Ephedra altissima is an evergreen Shrub. It is in leaf all year. 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. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Plant Habitats
Cultivated Beds;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:
Fruit[177]. No more details are given.
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
The stems of most members of this genus contain the alkaloid ephedrine and are valuable in the treatment of asthma and many other complaints of the respiratory system[K]. The whole plant can be used at much lower concentrations than the isolated constituents - unlike using the isolated ephedrine, using the whole plant rarely gives rise to side-effects[254]. Ephedra does not cure asthma but in many cases it is very effective in treating the symptoms and thus making life somewhat easier for the sufferer. The stems can be used fresh or dried and are usually made into a tea, though they can also be eaten raw[K]. The young stems are best if eating them raw, though older stems can be used if a tea is made[K]. The stems can be harvested at any time of the year and are dried for later use[238].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Requires a well-drained loamy soil and a sunny position[11]. Plants are drought resistant once established and are also lime tolerant[200]. A plant is growing at Hilliers Arboretum in Hampshire. It has been there for many years so can be considered fully hardy. It is growing in the shade of Pinus mugo and seems to be thriving[K]. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown in fruit and seed are required.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:
Fahrenheit:
The PFAF Bookshop
Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).
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Plant Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a greenhouse[200]. It can also be sown in spring in a greenhouse in a sandy compost[K]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse. Plant out in the spring or early summer after the last expected frosts and give some protection in their first winter[K]. Division in spring or autumn[238]. Layering.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
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Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
| Related Plants
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| Latin Name | Common Name | Habit | Height | Hardiness | Growth | Soil | Shade | Moisture | Edible | Medicinal | Other |
| Ephedra americana andina | | Shrub | 1.8 |
5-9
| | LM | N | DM | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Ephedra ciliata | | Shrub | 0.2 |
-
| | LM | N | DM | 1 | 3 | |
| Ephedra distachya | Sea Grape, Jointfir | Shrub | 1.0 |
5-9
| | LM | N | DM | 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Ephedra equisetina | Muzei Ma Huang, Ma huang | Shrub | 1.5 |
0-0
| | LM | N | DM | 1 | 4 | |
| Ephedra fragilis | | Shrub | 1.8 |
7-10
| | LM | N | DM | 2 | 4 | |
| Ephedra gerardiana | Ma Huang, Gerard jointfir | Shrub | 0.6 |
6-9
| | LM | N | DM | 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Ephedra intermedia | Zhong Ma Huang | Shrub | 1.0 |
5-9
| | LM | N | DM | 1 | 4 | |
| Ephedra major | Ma Huang | Shrub | 2.0 |
5-9
| | LM | N | DM | 1 | 4 | |
| Ephedra nevadensis | Mormon Tea, Nevada jointfir | Shrub | 1.2 |
5-9
| | LM | N | DM | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Ephedra pachyclada | | Shrub | 0.0 |
-
| | LM | N | DM | 2 | 3 | |
| Ephedra sinica | Ma Huang, Chinese ephedra | Shrub | 0.4 |
0-0
| | LM | N | DM | 1 | 4 | |
| Ephedra torreyana | Mexican Tea, Torrey's jointfir | Shrub | 1.0 |
0-0
| | LM | N | DM | 2 | 3 | |
| Ephedra triandra | | Shrub | 0.0 |
-
| | LM | N | DM | 1 | 3 | |
| Ephedra trifurca | Longleaf Jointfir | Shrub | 2.0 |
-
| | LM | N | DM | 1 | 2 | |
| Ephedra viridis | Mormon Tea, Brigham Tea, Long Leaf Ephedra, Mountain Joint Fir, Mormon Tea, Ephedra | Shrub | 1.8 |
6-11
| | LM | N | DM | 2 | 3 | 1 |
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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
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Botanical References
1
Links / References
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