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Wildlife - Winterfat is considered very good browse for wildlife and is extensively utilized by rodents, rabbits, antelope, deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. Erosion Control - Winterfat is a good erosion control plant when planted in a mixture to provide greater plant density. It has a deep taproot and an extensive fibrous root system near the soil surface, which helps stabilize soils. It germinates readily and provides fairly rapid growth under favorable growing conditions. Reclamation: Winterfat is an important pioneer species and establishes fairly easily on drastically disturbed sites or poorly developed soils such as those commonly found on mine lands. Adaptation Winterfat is most common in the 7 to 16 inch annual precipitation zones, but has been found in areas with less than 6 inches of annual precipitation and in areas with greater than 20 inches annual precipitation. Winterfat is found from near sea level to 10,000 feet elevation. It occurs in salt desert shrub, pinyon juniper, sagebrush grass and near the edges of some forested plant communities. Northern Cold Desert Germplasm Loren St. John USDA NRCS Aberdeen PMC Winterfat grows well on a wide range of soil textures, although it prefers more basic or limy soils. It tolerates moderate to highly saline conditions, but is not tolerant of acidic soils. Environmental Concerns Winterfat is native, long-lived, and spreads by seed distribution. It is not considered "weedy", but could slowly spread into adjoining vegetative communities under ideal climatic and environmental conditions. This species is well documented as having beneficial qualities and no negative impacts on wild or domestic animals. Green Ephedra Green Ephedra Common Name(s): Green Ephedra Mormon Tea Joint-fir Scientific Name: Ephedra viridis Coville Description: Life Span: Perennial Origin: Native Season: Evergreen Growth Characteristics: An erect shrub, growing anywhere from 8 inches to 5 feet tall. It reproduces by seed and by sprouting from the roots and woody crown. Ecological Adaptations: Green ephedra is found on dry, rocky, open sites in valleys and washes, and on slopes, alluvial fans, mesas, and foothills. It is typically found at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 7,500 feet, though it has been reported at elevations up to 10,000 feet. Average precipitation on sites supporting green ephedra ranges from 6 to 15 inches. It is drought resistant and winter hardy. Soils: Grows primarily on sandy, gravelly or rocky, well-drained, undeveloped soils. Green ephedra grows well on shallow, medium or deep soils and is tolerant of calcareous, weakly saline, moderately alkaline, and slightly sodic soils. It is intolerant of wet, poorly drained sites. Uses and Management: Green ephedra is an important browse species for big game. It is not utilized by domestic livestock. It is heavily browsed by big game on winter range but only moderately or lightly browsed during other seasons. Green ephedra stems and twigs are nearly all within