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Products > Ephedra tweediana   Ephedra tweediana - Tramontana    [2nd Image] Habit and Cultural Information Category: Shrub Family: Ephedraceae (Mormon-teas) Origin: South America Evergreen: Yes Flower Color: Golden Bloomtime: Spring Height: Climbing (Vine) Width: 6-12 feet Exposure: Full Sun Drought Tolerant: Yes Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 10-15° F Ephedra tweediana (Tramontana) - A interesting climbing shrub with dark green wiry thin flexible jointed leafless branches that, with support, can grow to 12 feet or more and then arch outward and down with a thick trunk that is fissured and twisted. In early spring months (March in Santa Barbara) appear the golden primitive male reproductive structures which are attractive against the green stems. This plant is native to the moist forests of Argentina, southern Brazil and eastern Uruguay. In its native range it is called Tramontana and Cola de Caballo, (horse's tail). Plant in full sun to light shade and irrigate little to abundantly. We have never seen damage on this plant and it is likely hardy to below 15° F. In our garden we have trained this plant up on a narrow 8 foot tall metal structure which it has covered. In the Mildred Mathias Botanic Garden at UCLA this plant is grown without support and they note it to have a haystack-like form to 12 feet tall and wide. In Annie's Annuals catalog it is described as looking like "Cousin It" and it is noted that it will grow to 3 to 5 feet tall by 5 feet wide. However it is grown, this plant is sure to attracts attention. Our thanks to Dylan Hannon, now the curator of the Huntington Garden Conservatory, who gave us this strange yet interesting plant in 1997.  This description of this plant is based on our research and our observations of it growing at the nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens. We always appreciate receiving feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or have additional cultural tips that would aid others growing Ephedra tweediana .