Regel’s Jointfir
(Ephedra regeliana)
Regel’s Jointfir (Ephedra regeliana)
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James roberts
CC BY 2.5
Image By:
James roberts
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.5
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: James roberts | License Type: CC BY 2.5 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0 | Uploader: James roberts | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons |






Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements
• Precipitation | 1" - 27" |
• High Temp. | 33°F - 91°F |
• Low Temp. | -34°F - 26°F |
Summary
Ephedra regeliana, commonly known as Regel’s Jointfir, is an evergreen subshrub native to arid deserts and rocky alpine areas in Central Asia. It typically grows to a height of 1-5 feet (0.3-1.5 meters) and a width of up to 1 foot (0.3 meters). Regel’s Jointfir has a distinctive appearance with its slender, green to yellow-green, jointed stems that lack true leaves, giving it a broom-like appearance. The plant produces inconspicuous flowers that are followed by small, non-showy cones.
Regel’s Jointfir is valued for its drought tolerance and unique structural form, which can add textural contrast to rock gardens, xeriscapes, and desert-themed landscapes. It is also used in traditional medicine. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established, making it suitable for low-water gardening. It prefers well-drained soils and is tolerant of poor, sandy, or rocky substrates. While generally low-maintenance, it may be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Regel’s Jointfir is valued for its drought tolerance and unique structural form, which can add textural contrast to rock gardens, xeriscapes, and desert-themed landscapes. It is also used in traditional medicine. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established, making it suitable for low-water gardening. It prefers well-drained soils and is tolerant of poor, sandy, or rocky substrates. While generally low-maintenance, it may be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 1-5 feet
- Width: 0.2-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
native to arid deserts and rocky alpine areas in Central Asia
Other Names
Common Names: Mormon Tea
Scientific Names: Ephedra regeliana, Ephedra monosperma subsp. disperma, Ephedra monosperma var. disperma, Ephedra pulvinaris
GBIF Accepted Name: Ephedra regeliana Florin