Ephedra equisetina (Bluestem Joint Fir)

Attractive year-round, Ephedra equisetina (Bluestem Joint Fir) is a densely branched, evergreen shrub boasting a profusion of upright, stiff, finely textured, powder-blue leafless stems. Clusters of small frilly yellow flowers bloom in spring. Bluestem Joint Fir is dioecious with separate male and female plants. Male plants produce small, spiky, yellow pollen cones and the female plants produce seed cones that burst from the nodes that line the stems. The small, fleshy, female seed cones mature to bright red berries. Spreading by suckers, Bluestem Joint Fir is extremely cold, heat and drought tolerant. It adds a nice textural contrast in the landscape and has become popular in xeriscape gardens.

• Grows up to 3-6 ft. tall and wide (90-180 cm). Readily spreads by sprouts, so be prepared to pull up the suckers as soon as they appear in order to contain its growth.
• Thrives in dry, well-drained soils in full sun or part shade. Needs very little water once established and does not perform well in wet, poorly drained soils.
• Perfect for massing, as a specimen plant, foundation plant, or background plant in a border
• Generally pest and disease free.
• Propagate by seed.
• Native from central Asia to northwest China.