Zhong-ma-huang (Ephedra intermedia), packet of 5 seeds, organic

Family:  Joint Fir (Ephedraceae)

Hardy to Zones 5 to 9

(Zhong-ma-huang) Perennial, primitive subshrub native to Eurasia. Dioecious, flowering yellow to a height of 3 feet.  Male and female flowers on separate plants, berries and seeds occurring on female plants only.  Zhong-ma-huang is taller and thicker-stemmed than Ma-huang (Ephedra sinica) but similar in its constituent content.  Traditional usage (TCM): a secondary source of  Ma-huang, used for treating asthma and upper respiratory catarrh.  Soak seeds for 2 days in pure water or willow tip tea in the refrigerator, then sow 1 inch deep in sand or very sandy soil, tamp securely and keep warm and evenly moist until germination, which takes 14 days.  Individuate seedlings to pots and grow on for a year before transplanting to landscape.  Plant prefers sun and very fast draining soils.  Mulch with sand or volcanic rock.  Space plants 3 feet apart.

Packet of 5 seeds, Certified Organically Grown