Plants in family ephedraceae
Ephedra intermedia
Ephedra intermedia is a coniferous plant native to the deserts and grasslands of Central Asia, including regions like Siberia and the western Himalayas. It grows up to 3 feet tall and forms a wide mat with wiry green branches. This plant is dioecious, requiring both male and female plants for seed production. It is well-suited for rock gardens and thrives in dry, rocky habitats.
Ephedra equisetina
Ephedra equisetina, also known as upright joint fir, is a tall ephedra species reaching nearly 5 feet with blue-green jointed stems. It is one of the largest in its genus, both in height and stem thickness, and originates from high elevations in the Asian mountains. This plant is a striking addition to any garden, offering a unique architectural element.
Ephedra nebrodensis
Ephedra nebrodensis is a Mediterranean native plant known for its sprawling clump of tangled blue-green stems. It grows up to 2 feet in height with a 4-foot spread and lacks leaves, making it a unique addition to gardens. This plant thrives in sunny conditions and is well-suited for Mediterranean-style landscapes.
Ephedra viridis
Ephedra viridis, commonly known as green ephedra, is a shrub native to the Western United States, thriving in diverse habitats such as scrub, woodland, and desert. It features dense clusters of erect green twigs that may yellow with age and vestigial leaves at the nodes. Male plants produce pollen cones, while female plants bear seed cones. Historically, it has been used medicinally and as a dye by the Navajo. This coniferous shrub is a source of ephedrine and forms a dense mound of green foliage.
Ephedra przewalskii
Ephedra przewalskii is a shrub-like plant native to Central Asia, Mongolia, Pakistan, and parts of China. It forms a 3-foot by 3-foot mass of tangled yellowish-green stems and was first described by Otto Stapf in 1889. This plant is well-suited for sunny conditions.
Ephedra monosperma
Ephedra monosperma is a small shrub native to rocky slopes and dry places from China to Siberia. It features tiny green stems and produces bright red berries, making it a visually interesting plant for dry gardens. This perennial grows in rock crevices and adapts well to garden settings, forming a nice colony in dry sites. Ephedra monosperma has been used in traditional medicine, although ephedrine products are banned in the USA due to adverse effects. Its unique growth habit and resilience make it a noteworthy addition to xeriscaped landscapes.
Ephedra regeliana
Ephedra regeliana is a plant from the Asian alps, characterized by its prostrate green stems and red berries. It is part of a collection from a limestone area and thrives in sunny to partially sunny environments.
Ephedra minuta
Ephedra minuta is a dwarf species of ephedra native to China, characterized by its thin green branches and purple flowers at the end of each branch. This plant thrives in sunny conditions and is well-suited to rock gardens or dry landscapes. Its unique appearance and adaptability to various soil types make it an interesting addition to gardens seeking a touch of the exotic. Despite its small size, it offers a striking visual impact with its vibrant flowers and slender branches.