Longleaf Jointfir

Ephedra trifurca

Physical Characteristics

Ephedra trifurca is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). It is in leaf all year, in flower from March to May. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required).. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

South-western N. America - southern California to Texas and Mexico.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Tea A tea is made from the branches[177]. Fruit - raw or cooked.

Medicinal Uses

Diuretic Kidney Poultice Stomachic VD The dried and crushed stems are diuretic[238].An infusion has been used in the treatment of venereal disease, stomach complaints and kidney problems[257]. The pulverized or boiled stems were also applied externally as a poultice on syphilitic sores by some native North American Indians[213]. They can also be used as a poultice on other skin sores[257]. Unlike many members of the genus, this species is not very rich in the alkaloid ephedrine and so is not used in the treatment of asthma[238].

Known Hazards

None known