This spiky shrub occurs in southern Nevada and Utah, eastern California, western Arizona and into Mexico at elevations of 2,000 to 6,000 feet. The jointed, 3-foot-tall leafless stems have a strong vertical from. This species of Ephedra is similar in appearance to E. viridis except its stems are gray instead of green. The plants are separately sexed with female plants producing tiny cones. Plant in full sun and provide good drainage.