Key Identification Features
- Historically, it was well known for being used to make tea in Mormon communities.
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🌿 Identification Guide
How to Identify Ephedraceae
Ephedraceae is a plant family in the Plantae kingdom, order Ephedrales, class Gnetopsida. The family contains 23 accepted species worldwide. Some species in this family are toxic — exercise caution when handling unknown specimens.
Representative Ephedraceae Species
Ephedra distachya L.
Ephedra distachya L.
Ephedra distachya L. is a 25–50 cm tall Ephedraceae shrub that is the source of …
Ephedra intermedia Schrenk & C.A.Mey.
Ephedra intermedia Schrenk & C.A.Mey.
Ephedra intermedia is a dioecious shrub that grows in dry rocky or sandy habitat…
Ephedra nevadensis S.Watson
Ephedra nevadensis S.Watson
Ephedra nevadensis is a North American desert gymnosperm used as non-toxic lives…
⚠️ Poisonous
Ephedra chilensis C.Presl
Ephedra chilensis C.Presl
Ephedra chilensis (pingo-pingo) is a Gnetophyta plant native to western South Am…
Ephedra fragilis Desf.
Ephedra fragilis Desf.
Ephedra fragilis, commonly called joint pine, is an Ephedra species native to th…
Ephedra torreyana S.Watson
Ephedra torreyana S.Watson
Ephedra torreyana, or Torrey's jointfir/Torrey's Mormon tea, is an Ephedra speci…
Ephedra przewalskii Stapf
Ephedra przewalskii Stapf
Ephedra przewalskii is an Ephedra species native to Central and East Asia, first…
Ephedra trifurca Torr. ex S.Watson
Ephedra trifurca Torr. ex S.Watson
Ephedra trifurca is a sprawling dioecious shrub with sharp twigs that can reach …
Ephedra monosperma J.G.Gmel. ex C.A.Mey.
Ephedra monosperma J.G.Gmel. ex C.A.Mey.
Ephedra monosperma is a small perennial shrub from Asia, an Ephedrae herb used i…
Ephedra viridis Coville
Ephedra viridis Coville
Ephedra viridis, or green Mormon tea, is a photosynthetic shrub with medicinal u…
⚠️ Poisonous
Ephedra antisyphilitica Berland. ex C.A.Mey.
Ephedra antisyphilitica Berland. ex C.A.Mey.
Ephedra antisyphilitica is a North American plant species, an earlier-named taxo…
Ephedra aspera Engelm. ex S.Watson
Ephedra aspera Engelm. ex S.Watson
Ephedra aspera is a dioecious branched shrub with distinct male pollen cones and…
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you identify Ephedraceae?
Ephedraceae plants belong to the Ephedrales order in the Plantae kingdom. Historically, it was well known for being used to make tea in Mormon communities. For instant identification, use the iNature app — AI-powered and works offline.
What are the key characteristics of Ephedraceae?
Ephedraceae is classified in the order Ephedrales, class Gnetopsida, phylum Tracheophyta. The family contains 23 accepted species worldwide.
⚠️ Are any Ephedraceae species poisonous?
Yes, some Ephedraceae species are toxic or poisonous. Always exercise caution with unknown specimens. View poisonous Ephedraceae species or browse the full poisonous species guide.
Sources: GBIF, iNaturalist, Wikipedia · Disclaimer
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