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How to Grow Mormon Tea

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Mormon Tea

Ephedra nevadensis

shrub

Mormon Tea is a native North American shrub known for its jointed, green stems that photosynthesize in place of true leaves. It produces a caffeine-free beverage when steeped and is exceptionally drought-tolerant, making it ideal for arid landscapes. This hardy desert plant has been used by indigenous peoples and early Mormon settlers for centuries.

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Example Mormon Tea timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Mormon Tea

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Mormon Tea

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Mormon Tea dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade in hot climates
💧
Water: Very drought-tolerant once established; minimal watering needed. Water during establishment (first season), then rarely. Avoid overwatering as it prefers dry conditions.
📏
Spacing: 24-36 inches
📅
Days to maturity: N/A - perennial shrub; ready for light harvesting in 2-3 years
🌱
Planting depth: Plant at same depth as nursery container; shallow root system

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or rocky soil; tolerates poor, gravelly soil
pH: 6.0-8.0
Amendments:
Sand or perlite for drainage Gravel mulch

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 5-10, extremely cold-hardy to zone 4b

4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

4-12 months

Young plant with minimal jointed green stems, slow growth in first year

Water deeply but infrequently during first growing season. Provide good drainage. Protect from excessive moisture. Minimal fertilizer needed.

2

Vegetative Growth

1-3 years

Plant develops dense, branching jointed stems with no visible leaves; gradually increases in size

Reduce watering frequency. No pruning necessary. Extremely low-maintenance. Mulch lightly with gravel to maintain heat and drainage.

3

Flowering

2-4 weeks in spring

Tiny, inconspicuous flowers appear on stems in spring; flowering is subtle and not showy

Continue minimal watering. Flowers are self-pollinating. Do not fertilize heavily as it promotes vegetative growth over flowers.

4

Maturity

Ongoing; shrub lives 20+ years

Fully established shrub (3+ years old) with extensive jointed stem network, hardy and self-sufficient

Virtually no maintenance required. Do not fertilize. Provide full sun. Can be lightly harvested for tea without damage.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Desert rose Creosote bush Rabbitbrush Greasewood Desert willow Brittlebush

Avoid planting near:

Moisture-loving plants (hydrangeas, azaleas) Plants requiring frequent watering (hostas, ferns)

Common Pests

  • Rare in desert climates. Spray with neem oil if infestation occurs; ensure good air circulation.

  • Prune affected stems. Apply horticultural oil spray in early spring if severe.

Uses

🍳

Caffeine-Free Herbal Tea

Culinary

The jointed green stems produce a mild, slightly piney tea when steeped in hot water. Traditionally used by Native Americans and Mormon settlers as a hot beverage substitute for coffee and tea. [source]

💊

Traditional Herbal Remedy

Medicinal

Historically used to support respiratory health, digestion, and general wellness. Contains alkaloids including ephedrine in trace amounts, though Mormon tea is generally much milder than related Ephedra species. [source]

🏠

Drought-Resistant Landscaping

Household

Exceptional ornamental shrub for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens. Requires no irrigation once established, no fertilizer, minimal maintenance, and thrives in poor desert soils. [source]

🦋

Native Habitat Plant

Wildlife

Provides food and shelter for desert wildlife including birds, lizards, and insects. Supports biodiversity in arid ecosystems and pollinators during flowering season. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Begin light harvesting in year 3 when plant is established. Cut 6-8 inches of young jointed stems in spring or early summer. Dry stems in shade or use fresh for tea. Steep cut stems in hot water (not boiling) for 5-10 minutes to make caffeine-free beverage. Never harvest more than 20% of plant growth in a season.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Mormon Tea has no true leaves—the jointed green stems perform all photosynthesis, an adaptation to extreme desert drought conditions.
  • 🌱 Early Mormon settlers in the Utah Territory brewed this plant as a coffee substitute during the 1800s, giving it the common name 'Mormon Tea.'
  • 🌱 Unlike its close relative Ephedra sinica (used in traditional Chinese medicine), Mormon Tea (Ephedra nevadensis) contains only trace amounts of ephedrine and is gentle enough for regular consumption.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade pH True Leaves
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