Joint Fir
Ephedra equisitina
Ephedraceae
Growth habit
Shrub
Perennation
Long-lived polycarpic perennial
Biocultural value
Flowering tops are the source of ephedrine, a vaso-constricting drug used during anesthesia and to treat shock, hypotension and asthma.
Location
Source of plant
Hortus Botanicus Academie Scientiarum
Description
This is an upright joint fir to nearly 5' with blue-green jointed stems. This is one of the largest ephedras in height and in the thickness of the stem.
USDA Hardiness Zone
5
Special characteristics
medicinal/pharmaceutical, notable texture