Ephedra gerardiana
(Gerard's Jointfir)
Family - Ephedraceae
Category - Shrub
Origin - Himalayas
Year of Introduction - 1915
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer, Autumn
Hardiness - H6
Height - 60cm
Width - 1m or more
Location - The Terrace
Description: A Dwarf Deciduous Shrub with upright stems. Very small dark green leaves are scale-like and held on the rush-like stems. Small yellow-green flowers are held singly or in small clusters along the stems. Male and female flowers are produced on separate plants (Dioecious) in midsummer. If pollinated the flowers on female plants will be followed by small, round red berries from late summer into early autumn.
The foliage of Ephedra is the source of the popular pharmaceutical drug, Ephedrine, which is often used to treat asthma, but can also have adverse side effects if used inappropriately.
Flower:
Dioecious. Very small yellow-green flowers are held singly or in small clusters. The flowers are held along the upright stems and are produced in July. If pollinated the flowers on the female plants will be followed by small, round red berries in August and September.
Flower colour: Yellow-green
Flower shape: Small flowers held singly or in clusters
Flowering time: July
Foliage:
Dark green leaves are very small and scale-like. The leaves are held in opposite pairs on the upright, rush-like stems.
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Scale-like leaves
Poison Information:
All parts of this plant may cause discomfort if ingested.
Propagation:
Division, seed.
Cultivation:
Best in full sun to partial shade in fertile, moisture-retentive soil that is well-drained.