Mormon Teamormon.jpg

Mormon pioneers in Arizona used the dried stems of this plant to make tea. Also known as longleaf ephedra, desert jointfir, desert ephedra, popotilla, teposote, canatilla and long-leaved joinfir. A member of the Joint-fir Family.

  • As perennial shrub that usually grows to 3' to 4' in height. There are taller specimens in the vicinity of the Scenic Drive.
  • Blooms during the months of February and March with tiny, pale yellow clusters of flowers. It has male and female flowers on separate plants.
  • The roots of Mormon Tea help bind the soil. Native Americans use the plant to treat various types of diseases.