Mormon Tea

Mormon tea depends on it's green stems for photosynthesis.

NPS/ Mark Draper

A simple herb found throughout the desert southwest, Mormon tea (Ephedra nevadensis) was rumored to have been commonly used by Mormon pioneers and Native Americans alike resulting in the nicknames of Mormon tea or Indian tea, among others. Many species are found throughout North America and several are pervasive to the habitats in and around Parashant National Monument. The small shrub ranges in color from a vibrant green to a more subdued sage gray. It is often overlooked because it displays no grand flowers or even noticeable leaves. The ephedra shrub appears to be nothing more than a living pile of green sticks and jointed twigs.

Each evergreen plant is either male or female requiring pollination by wind. Generally, the male plants will take root in drier areas and females, in areas with more moisture. Once reproduction occurs small cones will form on the long thin stems. Occasionally these cones will fall to the ground and begin to grow but chances are a rodent will pick them up and carry them off to serve as stored food. Cones that are abandoned in food stores will then take root and begin a new plant.