Vine Ephedra
Vine Joint-Fir, Mormon Tea
Ephedra pedunculata Engelm. ex S. Wats.
Whole plant
Family : Ephedraceae
Longevity : Perennial
Origin : Native
Season : Warm
Vine Ephedra is a vine-like shrub that is found growing on other shrubs, trailing on the ground or climbing into trees. It can reach a length of 20 feet and can be found growing in dry, gravelly, rocky or calcareous soils of the South Texas Plains. The leaves are so small (1/25 to 1/8 inch in length) that the plant appears to be leafless. The flowers are yellowish to reddish and are 1/6 to 1/3 inch long. Vine Ephedra is a preferred browse plant of cattle and white-tailed deer and it provides cover for small mammals and reptiles.
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