Barrenwort Epimedium 'William Stearn'
ABOUT
Epimedium 'William Stearn', commonly known as barrenwort, is a graceful perennial notable for its ornamental appeal. This plant sports heart-shaped leaves that emerge with a bronzy tint before transitioning to a lustrous green as they mature. During the fall, the foliage may turn to a striking reddish-brown, adding a splash of autumnal color to the garden. The barrenwort produces dainty flowers that are quite distinctive in appearance. The blossoms possess an outer set of petals, which are usually elongated and resemble spurs, hence their often-used nickname 'fairy wings.' The color of the flowers can be a fetching mauve or lilac, with a lighter, almost white, inner cup that may have contrasting yellow centers, giving the plant a bi-colored effect. These charming blooms are held above the foliage on slender stems, creating a delightful airy appearance as if they are floating amidst the leaves. The overall texture of barrenwort is fine, with a softness that complements more substantial plants in a garden composition. Its foliage has a slight sheen and adds a lushness to the planting area throughout the growing season. The delicate form and the gentle sway of the flowers in the breeze provide a sense of whimsy and movement to the landscape. This cultivar is prized for its aesthetic qualities and the visual interest it brings to shaded garden areas.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Berberidaceae
Synonyms
Barrenwort, Bishop's Hat, Fairy Wings, Horny Goat Weed
Common names
Epimedium 'William Stearn'.
ToxicityTo humans
Bishop's hat is generally considered not toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning or serious side effects from ingesting this plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially cause mild irritation or discomfort.
To pets
Bishop's hat is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed among common poisonous plants for animals like dogs and cats. Ingesting this plant should not cause any significant symptoms of poisoning in pets. However, as with any non-food item, ingestion of plant material could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea simply due to the ingestion of something unusual.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Drought Tolerance: Epimedium 'William Stearn', commonly known as Bishop's Hat, can survive in dry conditions once established, making it suitable for gardens with low water availability.
- Shade Loving: Bishop's Hat thrives in partial to full shade, perfect for underplanting in woodland gardens or shaded areas where other plants might struggle.
- Ground Cover: It forms dense mats, which can help prevent weed growth and cover bare patches in the landscape.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Decorative Foliage: The heart-shaped leaves often have a marbled pattern and provide visual interest even when the plant is not in bloom.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Bishop's Hat requires minimal care, making it a good choice for low-maintenance gardens.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: The plant is not favored by deer or rabbits, making it an excellent choice for areas where these animals are a nuisance.
- Seasonal Interest: Bishop's Hat offers beautiful spring flowers and attractive fall foliage color, adding seasonal variety to the landscape.
Medical Properties- Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to treat erectile dysfunction.
- Believed to have aphrodisiac properties to improve sexual function.
- May help relieve symptoms associated with menopause.
- Potential to strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis.
- Could have anti-inflammatory effects to reduce pain and discomfort.
- Thought to have antioxidant properties to protect against cellular damage.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Epimedium, commonly known as "Barrenwort," can be used in floral arrangements to provide a delicate and unique texture with its heart-shaped leaves and airy flowers.
- Barrenwort is often used as a groundcover in shaded garden spots where grass might struggle to grow.
- The leaves of Barrenwort can be dried and used in decorative crafts, such as in wreaths or as a natural confetti alternative for events.
- Due to its resilience, Barrenwort can be utilized for erosion control on slopes and banks where other plants might not thrive.
- Its dense growth habit makes Barrenwort a good choice for gardeners looking to create a green backdrop for other spring-flowering plants.
- The young spring leaves of Barrenwort are sometimes used in shade garden photography to add a fresh green element to the scene.
- In fairy or miniature gardens, Barrenwort’s whimsical structure can be used to mimic larger plants or trees within the miniature landscape.
- Barrenwort can be planted in containers for patios or balconies that receive limited sunlight, providing visual interest where options might be limited.
- Gardeners use this plant as a living mulch under larger shrubs or trees because its foliage can suppress weed growth.
- Barrenwort's varied leaf colors in fall make it a subtle addition to seasonal garden displays focused on foliage rather than flowers.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant commonly known as Bishop's hat is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant commonly known as Bishop's hat is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: Epimedium, commonly known as Bishop's Hat, is often associated with longevity due to its hardy nature and ability to thrive in various conditions.
- Vitality: The robust health and vibrancy of the plant's foliage and flowers suggest vitality, making it a symbol of vigorous life energy.
- Youthfulness: Epimedium is thought to represent youthfulness, as it's traditionally used in herbal medicine to invigorate and energize the body.
- Protective Love: In some cultures, the Bishop's Hat is considered a protector of love, with its shield-like leaves symbolizing the safeguarding of relationships.
- Adaptability: With its ability to adapt to different shades and soils, Epimedium symbolizes flexibility and the capacity to flourish in a variety of life circumstances.
WaterBishop's hat should be watered enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy, typically requiring about 1 inch of water per week. During the growing season, especially in dry conditions, increase watering slightly but allow the topsoil to dry out slightly between waterings. In the winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering to prevent root rot, providing only enough to keep the soil from drying out completely. Use a gentle watering method, such as a watering can with a shower spout to avoid disturbing the soil around the shallow roots.
LightBishop's hat thrives best in partial shade with some morning sunlight or dappled sunlight throughout the day. It can also grow in full shade, which makes it suitable for planting under trees or on the north side of buildings. Avoid placing it in direct, harsh afternoon sunlight as this can scorch the leaves and stress the plant.
TemperatureBishop's hat prefers a temperate climate with temperatures ranging between 50°F and 70°F. It can withstand temperatures down to 5°F, making it a hardy option for cooler climates, but should be protected from extreme cold snaps. In regions where temperatures rise above 80°F, make sure the plant has adequate shade and moisture to cope with the heat.
PruningPrune Bishop's hat primarily to remove dead or damaged foliage, which can be done in early spring before new growth begins. Annual pruning isn't necessary, but cutting back the old foliage in the fall or early spring helps to maintain a tidy appearance and encourages healthy new growth. The best time for extensive pruning is after flowering to shape the plant or control its size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBishop's hat requires well-drained, humus-rich soil with a pH between 6 to 7.5. A mixture of garden loam, compost, and a little sand or perlite is ideal to ensure good drainage and fertility.
RepottingBishop's hat should be repotted every two to three years to replenish the soil and give roots space to grow.
Humidity & MistingBishop's hat thrives at moderate to high humidity levels but is adaptable to less humid conditions as long as the soil moisture is maintained.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Bishop's hat in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, shelter from strong winds, and mulch in winter.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Epimedium 'William Stearn', commonly known as Bishop's Hat, begins with seed germination, which occurs in moist, well-drained soil with dappled shade. After germination, the seedling stage is characterized by the emergence of the first leaves, which will be small and may not yet show the plant’s distinct leaf shape. The plant then enters the vegetative stage, where it develops its signature large, heart-shaped leaves and sturdy rhizomes, spreading slowly to form dense clumps. Once mature, Bishop's Hat produces small, colorful flowers in spring, usually with a distinctive spur that gives the plant its common name. Following the flowering period, fertilized flowers will develop into dry, dehiscent fruit capsules that release seeds, thereby completing the reproductive cycle. Established clumps can be divided in the fall or early spring to propagate new plants, continuing the life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Epimedium 'William Stearn', commonly known as Barrenwort, is most effectively propagated by division. The best time to propagate by division is in late summer to early fall, just as the plant starts to go dormant, or in early spring as the plant emerges from dormancy. To propagate Barrenwort using this method, carefully dig up the entire clump and gently separate it into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has at least a couple of growth points or buds. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing previously, water them thoroughly, and maintain adequate moisture levels while the new divisions establish. This method capitalizes on the plant's natural growth habit and ensures the gardener will have more mature plants faster than starting from seed.
