Mormon Tea

Ephedra trifurca

Broom-like branched shrub with slender jointed stems.

Up to 4’x4’.  Scale like leaves.

Actually a conifer with cones and odd looking flowers.

Also known as Brigham Tea, Cowboy Tea.

Tea has numerous medicinal uses.

Seeds used as meal for bread dough.

*Photos David J Stang, Wikimedia commons, CC4.0 plant, Patrick Alexander, Wikimedia commons, CC0, flower