Hairy barrenwort Epimedium pubigerum
ABOUT
E. pubigerum is a clump-forming perennial growing up to 45cm. Its evergreen, heart-shaped leaves emerge purple-bronze in spring maturing to a dark, glossy green. Sprays of tiny creamy-white to pink flowers are held well above the foliage in spring
About this plant
NamesFamily
Berberidaceae
Synonyms
Barrenwort, Bishop's Hat, Fairy Wings, Horny Goat Weed
Common names
Epimedium pubigerum.
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: Once established, Epimedium pubigerum can tolerate dry conditions, making it suitable for low-water gardens.
- Shade Tolerance: It can grow in partially shaded areas where other plants may struggle, therefore providing ground cover in difficult spots.
- Erosion Control: Its root system can help to stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion.
- Attracts Pollinators: The plant's flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, making it a convenient choice for gardeners at all skill levels.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its attractive foliage and delicate flowers, it offers visual interest throughout the growing season.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is not a preferred food source for deer, making it a good option for gardens in areas with a high deer population.
Medical Properties- Libido enhancement: Epimedium, commonly known as Horny Goat Weed, is traditionally believed to help increase sexual desire.
- Erectile dysfunction: It is suggested to aid in the improvement of erectile function.
- Osteoporosis: Epimedium extracts have been associated with bone health, potentially helping to prevent bone loss.
- Menopausal symptoms: The plant may have effects that could alleviate some symptoms associated with menopause.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Contains compounds that may reduce inflammation in the body.
- Immune system support: May have immunomodulatory effects that could support immune system function.
- Cardiovascular health: Some studies indicate it could have a beneficial impact on heart health.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ground cover: Epimedium pubigerum, commonly known as bishop's hat, can be used as a dense ground cover in shady garden spots where it can suppress weeds with its foliage.
- Drought-tolerant landscaping: Due to its ability to withstand dry periods once established, bishop's hat is suitable for drought-tolerant gardens.
- Hummingbird attractant: The nectar-rich flowers of bishop's hat can attract hummingbirds, adding a dynamic element to the garden.
- Butterfly garden addition: The vibrant flowers can also provide nectar for butterflies, making it a beneficial plant for butterfly gardens.
- Erosion control: Bishop's hat's roots help stabilize soil, making it a good choice for planting on slopes to prevent erosion.
- Fall foliage display: The leaves of bishop's hat can turn attractive shades of reddish-brown in the fall, providing seasonal interest.
- Garden borders: The plant can be used to define edges and borders within a garden design due to its clumping growth habit.
- Companion planting: Bishop's hat can be planted alongside other shade-loving perennials to create a layered, textured garden design.
- Livestock forage: In some regions, the leaves of bishop's hat may be grazed by livestock, particularly in rural landscapes.
- Cultural significance: In certain cultures, bishop's hat could be used in traditional rituals or as a symbol in gardens designed to reflect cultural heritage.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Bishop's Hat is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Bishop's Hat is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Sexual Vitality: Epimedium, commonly known as "Barrenwort," has been traditionally associated with sexual vitality and is often used in herbal medicine to enhance libido, which is reflected in another common name for the genus, "Horny Goat Weed."
- Longevity: Due to its medicinal properties that are believed to support overall health and well-being, Barrenwort is also symbolically linked to longevity and vitality.
- Youthfulness: Epimedium is sometimes connected to the concept of youthfulness, possibly due to its reputation for restoring sexual energy and vigor.
- Feminine Protection: In some cultures, Barrenwort has been associated with protecting women's health, particularly in terms of reproductive wellness.
WaterBishop's Hat, commonly known as Epimedium pubigerum, prefers consistent moisture, especially during its growing season in spring and fall. You should water Bishop's Hat once or twice a week, providing enough water to moisten the soil without causing waterlogging. During periods of drought or extreme heat, increase watering frequency to ensure the soil doesn't dry out completely. Aim to provide approximately one gallon of water per plant each week, but adjust this amount based on local rainfall and temperatures. During winter, reduce watering as the plant requires less moisture when dormant.
LightBishop's Hat thrives in partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for shaded garden areas or under larger plants and trees. Ideal spots for Epimedium pubigerum are those that receive dappled sunlight or morning sun with afternoon shade, protecting it from the harsh midday sun which could scorch its foliage.
TemperatureBishop's Hat is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures but grows best when the temperature is between 50°F and 75°F. It can survive brief temperature dips down to 5°F but sustained cold below this point may damage the plant. During hot summer months, make sure it's well-watered and shaded to prevent stress.
PruningBishop's Hat benefits from annual pruning to remove dead or damaged foliage and to maintain its shape. The best time to prune Epimedium pubigerum is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. Cut back the old foliage to make room for fresh leaves and blossoms, and this can be done every year.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBishop's Hat thrives in moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter; mix leaf mold or compost into garden soil for an ideal mix. The soil pH should be mildly acidic to neutral, ranging between 5.5 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingBishop's Hat, being a hardy perennial, does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 3 to 4 years or when it visibly outgrows its container.
Humidity & MistingBishop's Hat prefers average to high humidity levels but is adaptable to less humid conditions typically found in temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Bishop's Hat in bright, indirect light and ensure the soil stays moist.
Outdoor
Plant Bishop's Hat in partial shade and keep the soil consistently moist.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleEpimedium pubigerum, commonly known as Bishop's hat, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination, typically in early spring, develops into a sprout with embryonic leaves. As it matures, the sprout evolves into a seedling with true leaves, adapting to its partial to full shade environment. The plant then enters a vegetative state where it produces a rosette of heart-shaped leaves, and during favorable conditions, it will develop flowering stems. The flowers of the Bishop's hat are small, yellow, and typically bloom in spring. After pollination, which is often aided by insects, the plant produces dry, dehiscent fruits containing seeds that are spread by gravity or animals. It is a perennial herb, and after the growing season, the aerial parts die back, with the rhizomatous root system surviving winter to regenerate the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Barrenwort, the common name for Epimedium pubigerum, is typically propagated by division, which is the most popular method. The best time to propagate barrenwort through division is in the spring just as the plants are emerging from dormancy or in the fall as the plant goes into dormancy. Carefully dig up the plant and use a sharp spade or knife to split the clump into smaller sections, making sure that each section has a portion of the roots and at least one growth bud. These divisions can then be replanted in a well-prepared soil, enriched with organic matter to encourage good root development. Water the new plants well to help establish them, ensuring that they receive about an inch (25mm) of water per week, especially during their first growing season.
