Ephedra nevadensis
Ephedra nevadensis | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Gymnospermae |
Division: | Gnetophyta |
Class: | Gnetopsida |
Order: | Ephedrales |
Family: | Ephedraceae |
Genus: | Ephedra |
Species: | E. nevadensis |
Binomial name | |
Ephedra nevadensis S.Wats. | |
Synonyms | |
Ephedra antisyphilitica S.Wats. 1871, illegitimate homonym, not Berland. ex C.A. Mey. 1846 |
Ephedra nevadensis, commonly known as Nevada ephedra, gray ephedra, Mormon tea and Nevada jointfir, is a species of gymnosperm native to dry areas of western North America.
Its range extends west to California and Oregon, east to Texas, and south to Baja California, including areas of the Great Basin, Colorado plateau and desert Southwest. It is found in rocky and sandy soils, generally in areas without trees. It can be found in a variety of environments but predominately grows in desert climates.
It serves as a non toxic grazing source to both wild and domestic live stock. It posses a various amount of medicinal properties that can be used in a domestic setting. Historically, it is known for its usage in Mormon communities as tea. A common misconception is that Ephedra Nevadensis contains ephedrine, a known stimulant however this is not true.