Barrenwort Epimedium grandiflorum
ABOUT
The plant known commonly as bishop's hat features heart-shaped leaves that often have a spiny appearance and may showcase a variety of colors through the seasons, from green to red to bronze. In the spring, delicate flowers emerge, taking on an airy form, with four outer petals and four smaller inner petals, creating a unique and ornate look. The flowers display a range of colors, including white, yellow, pink, and purple, adding a soft and whimsical touch to the garden. Their intricate shape and nodding nature make them a joy to observe as they sway gently in the breeze. The leaves and flowers together create a charming and somewhat understated display, imbuing spaces with subtle beauty and a sense of enchantment.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Berberidaceae.
Synonyms
Large-Flowered Epimedium, Bishop's Hat, Fairy Wings, Horny Goat Weed, Barrenwort, Yin Yang Huo.
Common names
Epimedium macranthum, Epimedium violaceum.
ToxicityTo humans
Epimedium grandiflorum, commonly known as Bishop's Hat, does not have a widespread reputation for being toxic to humans. There is limited information regarding its toxicity as it is not commonly regarded as a poisonous plant, and there are no well-documented cases or studies demonstrating significant toxic effects from ingesting this plant. Although it is used in traditional medicine, as with any plant, some people might experience mild gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions if they are sensitive to its components.
To pets
Bishop's Hat, or Epimedium grandiflorum, is not known to be toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. There is no substantial evidence that suggests that Bishop's Hat poses a significant risk of toxicity to pets. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion could potentially result in mild gastrointestinal upset due to the novelty and fibrous nature of the plant material. If a pet were to ingest a large quantity, it would be advisable to monitor them for any signs of distress and consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
1 foot [30 cm]
Spread
1-2 feet [30-60 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Epimedium grandiflorum, commonly known as bishop's hat, is attractive to bees and other beneficial insects, which helps support local ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Garden Aesthetics: With its distinctive flowers and foliage, bishop's hat adds aesthetic variety to gardens and landscapes.
- Ground Cover: Its spreading habit makes it useful for covering ground and suppressing weeds in garden settings.
- Shade Tolerance: It thrives in partial shade to full shade, making it an excellent choice for under-canopy planting in wooded or shaded areas.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal upkeep once established, which can save time and resources for gardeners and landscapers.
- Seasonal Interest: Bishop's hat provides spring flowers and often has leaves that change color in the fall, offering multiple seasons of visual interest.
- Erosion Control: Its root system can help stabilize soil on slopes and in areas prone to erosion.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike some ground covers, it typically does not spread uncontrollably, making it an environmentally responsible choice.
- Wildlife Habitat: It can serve as a habitat and food source for certain wildlife, promoting biodiversity.
- Frost Resistant: Bishop's hat can survive in areas with cold winters, making it suitable for a range of climates.
Medical Properties- Improves Sexual Function: Traditionally used to treat erectile dysfunction and increase sexual desire.
- Osteoporosis Prevention: Contains phytoestrogens which can help to maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis.
- Menopausal Symptom Relief: The plant's phytoestrogens may alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.
- Antioxidant Effects: Contains flavonoids that exhibit antioxidant properties, protecting the body from oxidative stress.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Some compounds in the plant may reduce inflammation and offer relief from conditions associated with it.
- Cardiovascular Benefits: Potential to improve cardiovascular health by improving blood flow and reducing arterial stiffness.
- Immune Modulation: May have immune-boosting effects that can help the body resist infections and diseases.
- Neuroprotective Effects: Early research indicates the possibility of neuroprotective benefits that might help in neurodegenerative diseases.
- Anti-cancer Potential: Preliminary studies show compounds in the plant may have anti-tumor properties.
- Antimicrobial Activity: Has shown potential in fighting against certain bacteria and fungi.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ornamental groundcover: Epimedium grandiflorum, commonly known as Bishop's Hat, is used in landscaping as a decorative groundcover due to its attractive heart-shaped leaves and colorful flowers.
- Dye production: The leaves of the Bishop's Hat can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics, yielding a variety of earth-toned colors.
- Tolerance marker for botanical research: Because of its resilience to certain environmental stresses, Bishop's Hat can be utilized in botanical studies to understand plant survival mechanisms under adverse conditions.
- Barrier plant: The dense foliage of the Bishop's Hat can be planted as a barrier to deter small animals or to define garden boundaries.
- Dry shade gardening: Bishop's Hat is a preferred option for gardens with dry, shaded areas where other plants might struggle to thrive.
- Educational tool: Due to its unique 4-part flower structure, Bishop's Hat can be used in educational settings to discuss plant morphology and reproductive strategies.
- Fairy gardening: The delicate, whimsical appearance of Bishop's Hat flowers makes them a popular choice for creating fairy and miniature gardens.
- Photography subject: The attractive blooms and foliage of the Bishop's Hat are often used by photographers as a subject to practice macro and nature photography.
- Erosion control: This plant's mat-forming habit can help stabilize soil in sloped gardens and prevent soil erosion.
- Leaf mulch: The fallen leaves of Bishop's Hat can be gathered and used as mulch to provide nutrients and protection for garden soil.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant name "Horny Goat Weed" is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant name "Horny Goat Weed" is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and Fertility: Epimedium, commonly known as the "Bishop's Hat", is often connected with love and fertility, reflecting its capacity to thrive and spread, much like the romantic and reproductive aspects of life.
- Protection: In some traditions, Epimedium is thought to offer protection, particularly against the negative forces that could be harmful to one's love life or fertility.
- Longevity and Good Health: As a medicinal herb used in traditional Chinese medicine, Epimedium is also associated with promoting longevity and overall good health, symbolizing a long and healthy life.
WaterThe common name for Epimedium grandiflorum is bishop's hat, and it prefers consistent moisture, especially during its growing season in spring and fall. It should be watered thoroughly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out slightly before the next watering, which typically means once a week. During the hot summer months, you might need to water it more frequently, possibly every few days, depending on the climate and soil drainage. Bishop's hat should be watered with approximately half a gallon of water per plant, ensuring you're not just wetting the surface but delivering moisture deep into the root zone.
LightBishop's hat thrives best in partial to full shade, so placing it in an area where it receives dappled sunlight or light shade throughout the day is ideal. It should be protected from the intense afternoon sun, which can scorch its delicate leaves. A spot under a deciduous tree or on a north-facing garden spot where it would receive morning sun and afternoon shade would provide the optimal light conditions for this plant.
TemperatureBishop's hat is a hardy plant that can withstand a temperature range from as low as 5 to as high as 95 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the ideal temperatures for optimal growth are between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This perennial is quite frost-tolerant and can survive minor dips below the minimum temperature for short periods.
PruningPruning bishop's hat is mainly for aesthetic purposes and to remove any dead or damaged foliage, which can be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cutting back the foliage after it has died back in the fall helps to maintain a tidy appearance and can rejuvenate the plant for the following growing season. Prune the plant annually, or as needed, to keep it healthy and well-shaped.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBishop's hat prefers well-drained, moist soil with a high organic content, and a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7. A mix of loam, compost, and peat or pine bark will create an ideal environment for Epimedium grandiflorum.
RepottingBishop's hat does not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same container for several years. Assess the need based on its growth, but typically repotting every 3 to 4 years is sufficient.
Humidity & MistingBishop's hat is tolerant of a range of humidity levels but grows best in moderate to high humidity environments, without the need for artificially increased humidity levels indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Bishop's hat in shady spot with moist, rich soil.
Outdoor
Plant Bishop's hat in shade to partial sun, moisture.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleEpimedium grandiflorum, commonly known as large-flowered barrenwort, begins its life cycle as a dormant rhizome or seed that germinates in the spring. Upon germination, the plant produces a basal rosette of heart-shaped leaves and then enters a vegetative growth phase where it establishes a strong root system and foliar growth. In late spring to early summer, the large-flowered barrenwort produces distinctive flowers on slender, branching stems, which can range in color from white to pink or purple. After pollination, typically by bees or other insects, the flowers develop into dry, dehiscent capsules containing seeds. In the autumn, the plant enters a period of senescence where the aerial parts die back to the ground, while the rhizome remains dormant underground throughout the winter. The cycle resumes the following spring when new growth emerges from the rhizome, continuing the perennial life cycle of the plant.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagation for Epimedium grandiflorum, commonly known as Bishop's Hat, is by division. This is best done in the spring or fall. The process involves carefully digging up an established clump and gently separating it into smaller sections, making sure that each section has at least one growing point or a piece of the crown. These divisions can then be replanted at the same depth they were growing at initially, spaced about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth. Water the new divisions well to help establish them. This method of division allows gardeners to quickly and effectively propagate new plants while maintaining the genetic identity of the parent plant.
