Ephedra trifurca

A common shrub of low desert. The spine-tipped branches, longer leaves, and scabrous seeds distinguish it from the Ephedra torreyana, which occurs in similar habitat and is the other common Ephedra in southern New Mexico.

Plant habit along I-25 on the south side of Las Cruces, 3/12/06.

Microstrobili near I-25, 3/25/06.

Megastrobili near I-25, 3/25/06.

Leaves and lone microstrobilus near I-25, 3/25/06.