Ephedra nevadensis Seeds

Description

Ephedra nevadensis (Nevada Ephedra) is an American species of Ephedra that can be found in dry areas of western North America. This shrub commonly grows to a height of four feet, but it has been reported to be capable of reaching heights up to eight feet tall. Once mature, Ephedra nevadensis will begin to produce clusters of yellow flowers that will eventually lead to the development of small cones that contain the seeds. A tea made with Ephedra nevadensis was commonly used medicinally by the Mormons. This is why this species of Ephedra commonly gets the name Mormon Tea. Although Ephedra nevadensis is from the same genus as Ephedra sinica and Ephedra major, it does not contain the chemical ephedrine.