Quick answer: Mormon tea (Ephedra viridis) is native to 1 state. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Andrey Zharkikh from Salt Lake City, USA, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-2.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Dry |
| Soil | Dry, rocky soils |
| Bloom | Apr |
| Height | Up to 3 ft |
| Wildlife value | Seeds eaten by mountain quail, winter forage for mammals |
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 15 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 15 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Mormon tea
Where is Mormon tea native?
Mormon tea (Ephedra viridis) is native to Nevada. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Mormon tea bloom?
Mormon tea blooms Apr. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Mormon tea need?
Light: Sun. Water: Dry. Soil: Dry, rocky soils. Mature height: Up to 3 ft.
Is Mormon tea good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Seeds eaten by mountain quail, winter forage for mammals.
Is Mormon tea deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Mormon tea is drought-tolerant.
Where can I buy Mormon tea?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 15 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Ephedra viridis by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Mormon tea.
- Silvery lupine Lupinus argenteus
- Wax currant Ribes cereum
- Blue palo verde Parkinsonia florida
- Firecracker penstemon Penstemon eatonii
- Great Valley gumweed Grindelia camporum
- Lacy phacelia Phacelia tanacetifolia
Also listed under
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