Spanish Joint Fir

ephedra altissima

Also known as: ["Ephedra scandens","Ephedra fragilis var. altissima"]

Family: Ephedraceae Genus: Ephedra Category: Shrubs

Overview

A tall, slender, evergreen shrub with jointed stems and scale-like leaves, native to the Mediterranean region.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Gnetaophyta
Class: Gnetopsida
Order: Gnetales
Family: Ephedraceae
Genus: Ephedra
Botanical Name: Ephedra altissima

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Shrubs
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, xeriscapes, or as a specimen plant in arid landscapes
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–40°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is extremely low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually or as needed to remove dead growth.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if plant becomes overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates direct sunlight but acclimate gradually to avoid scorching.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate to direct sun slowly over 1–2 weeks; protect from intense midday sun; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or incorrect watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant monthly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid shaded corners.

Watering

every 2–3 weeks, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings

Water thoroughly but infrequently; avoid overwatering; ensure soil dries out completely between waterings.

Soil

well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil with minimal organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use pots with drainage holes; avoid overwatering; topdress with coarse sand for aeration.

Temperature

Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates mild frost but thrives in warm, dry conditions.

Avoid drafts; maintain consistent temperatures; protect from sudden temperature swings.

Fertilizing

every 3 months during active growth with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer

Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a cactus-specific fertilizer for best results.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings; division of offsets (rare).

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch stem cutting.
  2. Let it callus for 1–2 days.
  3. Plant in moist propagation medium.
  4. Keep humid and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–80°F), high humidity (60–70%), indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite (1:1 ratio).

Hormone

Optional, but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 4–6 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, propagation medium.

Quick Tips

Use sterile tools to prevent disease; keep soil lightly moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut stems back to a healthy node or branch junction; avoid cutting into old wood.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or leggy stems to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; prune after flowering or in early spring.

Tools

Pruning shears, sterilizing solution (e.g., rubbing alcohol).

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy or active growth; remove dead or damaged stems; shape as desired.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; ensure pot has drainage holes.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture without waterlogging; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to deliver water directly to the soil, avoiding stems and leaves.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once every 2–3 weeks during spring and summer; reduce frequency to once every 4–6 weeks in fall and winter. Allow soil to dry completely between waterings.

Soil Improvement

Add coarse sand, perlite, or pumice to commercial potting soil to enhance drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing or browning leaves; stunted growth; bud drop; wilting despite adequate water.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause root rot if soil remains wet in cold conditions; leaves may turn yellow or drop.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; ensure soil is dry; use a space heater if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).

Hot Stress

Leaves may curl or brown at edges; soil dries out faster; growth may slow if humidity is too low.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; mist foliage lightly if in a dry environment.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase before fertilizing; dilute fertilizer correctly; avoid over-fertilizing; stop in winter.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Ephedra altissima is not commonly reported, as this species typically has scale-like leaves that may not exhibit typical yellowing symptoms.

Wilting in Ephedra altissima can occur due to water stress, either from drought or overwatering, affecting the plant's ability to maintain turgor pressure and leading to reduced photosynthesis.

Leaf spots are not commonly reported on Ephedra altissima, as its scale-like leaves are less prone to fungal or bacterial infections that typically cause such symptoms.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can affect Ephedra altissima if the soil is excessively moist, leading to decay of root tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset and mild neurological stimulation if they ingest parts of Ephedra altissima. The alkaloids can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, but severe toxicity is uncommon.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy increased heart rate tremors
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants away from cats. If ingestion occurs, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Ephedra altissima can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset and mild stimulation of the nervous system. The alkaloids present can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, though severe reactions are rare.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy increased heart rate tremors
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants away from dogs. If ingestion occurs, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Ephedra altissima contains alkaloids that can cause mild physiological effects when ingested. These compounds may stimulate the nervous system and cardiovascular system, leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure. The effects are generally mild but can be more pronounced in sensitive individuals.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting increased heart rate dizziness anxiety
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of seeds and stems. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Ephedra altissima toxic to pets?

A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: How much water does Ephedra altissima need?

A: It is drought tolerant and requires minimal watering.

Q: Does Ephedra altissima attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Quick Reference
Family: Ephedraceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 2–3 weeks, allowing so
Suitable For: ["busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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