Desert Tea
Ephedra nevadensis
A unique western US native shrub with jointed stems and red tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds in late winter and spring.
Very hardy across USDA zones 6-11; a western native at home in both cold mid-desert winters and extreme low-desert heat with no protection.
AMWUA Notes
A low-water western native with distinctive leafless jointed stems; thrives on minimal irrigation and sharp drainage.
Care Guide
Very drought tolerant; water monthly at most in summer once established and never let it sit in wet soil, which it will not tolerate.
Needs virtually no pruning; simply remove any dead jointed stems, and leave its leafless broom-like architecture intact rather than shearing.
No fertilizer needed in native soil.
Essentially pest-free.
Evergreen in the sense of keeping its green photosynthetic stems year-round; small yellowish cone-like flowers appear in late winter to spring on this leafless shrub.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Sandy, gravelly, sharply drained soils; tolerates caliche and alkaline pH 7.5-8.5.
Needs sharp, fast-draining soil.
None — thrives in lean desert soil without fertilizer.
From seed; slow to establish.
5 ft
Deep, non-aggressive roots; no hardscape risk.
Placement Tips
- •At 4 ft tall by 5 ft wide, its unusual jointed green stems make a striking textural accent among rock and gravel.
- •Ideal for xeriscape and Sonoran-native beds where its sculptural, leafless form reads as a focal texture.
- •Low litter and thornless, it is fine near pool decks and patios.
- •Plant in full sun with sharp drainage; it excels on hot, exposed slopes.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Wildlife Value
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
Love Desert Tea? Our landscape team sources from wholesale nurseries and can incorporate it into your design.
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Use this care guide to maintain your Desert Tea. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Desert Tea — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Desert Tea need in Phoenix?
Desert Tea is a low-water shrub once established. Very drought tolerant; water monthly at most in summer once established and never let it sit in wet soil, which it will not tolerate. A low-water western native with distinctive leafless jointed stems; thrives on minimal irrigation and sharp drainage.
How big does Desert Tea get?
Expect roughly 4 ft tall and 5 ft wide at maturity, with a moderate growth rate. Allow about 5 ft of spacing when planting. Deep, non-aggressive roots; no hardscape risk.
Can you plant Desert Tea near a pool?
Yes. Desert Tea is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated low.
Can Desert Tea handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Desert Tea is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Very hardy across USDA zones 6-11; a western native at home in both cold mid-desert winters and extreme low-desert heat with no protection. Evergreen in the sense of keeping its green photosynthetic stems year-round; small yellowish cone-like flowers appear in late winter to spring on this leafless shrub.
Does Desert Tea have thorns?
No. Desert Tea is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Desert Tea safe around pets?
Desert Tea is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Desert Tea bloom in Arizona?
Desert Tea blooms in late winter-spring, with red flowers. The bloom draws hummingbirds.
How much maintenance does Desert Tea need?
Desert Tea is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Needs virtually no pruning; simply remove any dead jointed stems, and leave its leafless broom-like architecture intact rather than shearing.
What kind of soil does Desert Tea need?
Sandy, gravelly, sharply drained soils; tolerates caliche and alkaline pH 7.5-8.5. It needs no supplemental feeding. No fertilizer needed in native soil.
Is Desert Tea native to Arizona?
Yes. Desert Tea is native to Arizona and to the Western US, Baja California, Sonora, so it is adapted to local rainfall, soil and heat.