Mormon Tea

Ephedra viridis viridis, per the interpretive sign. In the Coral Pink Sand Dunes state park, Utah. Ephedra species are found all over the desert Southwest US, including the hills above my house in Washoe Valley, Nevada. Its common name is due to its reputed use for brewing by Mormon settlers, as their religion forbids caffeinated beverages. My son and I tried brewing some one time on a camping trip--well, it would need a _lot_ of sugar! ;)