Barrenwort Epimedium rhizomatosum
ABOUT
The plant commonly referred to as the barrenwort is a perennial characterized by its attractive foliage and delicate flowers. The leaves of the barrenwort are typically heart-shaped, often with a spiny texture, and can show a variety of colors, ranging from green to a reddish-bronze, especially during the colder months. In spring, the appearance of the plant is enhanced by the blooming of its flowers, which are small and carried in sprays above the foliage. These flowers can have a range of colors as well, including shades of yellow, pink, white, and purple, often with a unique, spidery shape due to the long, slender petals and distinctive long spurred sepals that provide an ethereal quality to the blooming display. The growth habit of the barrenwort is such that it can often create a dense mat-like ground cover over time, with its foliage and blooms offering a vibrant and textured landscape presence. The plant is valued for its adaptability and interest throughout multiple seasons, serving as a charming addition to shade gardens or woodland settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Berberidaceae
Synonyms
Barrenwort, Bishop's Hat, Fairy Wings, Horny Goat Weed
Common names
Epimedium rhizomatosum.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium rhizomatosum) is generally considered safe when consumed by humans in moderate amounts, especially as a herbal supplement. There is no well-documented toxicity or consequential symptoms associated with the ingestion of any part of the plant in humans. However, as with any substance, it is possible to experience side effects or allergic reactions. Excessive consumption may lead to symptoms such as dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting. Its use is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety information.
To pets
The Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium rhizomatosum) is not commonly listed as toxic to pets. However, individual pets may have unique sensitivities or allergies, and consuming non-food plants can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset or other non-specific symptoms. It's always best to prevent pets from ingesting plants not specifically intended for them. If you suspect your pet has ingested a large amount of the plant and is showing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual behavior, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian.
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- Attractive Ground Cover: Epimedium rhizomatosum, commonly known as Bishop's Hat, provides dense foliage that can cover the ground, inhibiting weed growth.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Bishop's Hat is tolerant of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant can thrive in shaded areas where many other plants struggle, making it suitable for woodland gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Bishop's Hat is generally easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance apart from occasional pruning to keep the area tidy.
- Seasonal Interest: With its changing foliage colors and delicate flowers, Bishop's Hat offers visual interest throughout different seasons.
- Wildlife Habitat: The flowers of Bishop's Hat can attract pollinators like bees, providing a habitat and food source for beneficial insects.
- Erosion Control: Its root system helps to stabilize the soil, making it useful for preventing erosion on slopes.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant: Epimedium species are known to have antioxidant properties, potentially reducing oxidative stress in the body.
- Anti-inflammatory: Compounds in Epimedium may have anti-inflammatory effects, which could be beneficial in reducing inflammation.
- Neuroprotective: Some studies suggest that Epimedium can have neuroprotective effects, possibly aiding in the protection of nerve cells.
- Osteoprotective: Traditionally used in managing symptoms of osteoporosis, the plant may help in maintaining bone density.
- Cardiovascular health: There is some evidence that Epimedium species might benefit heart health by improving blood flow and reducing arterial stiffness.
- Libido enhancement: Commonly known as "Horny Goat Weed", it is reputed to have aphrodisiac properties, though this use is not clinically validated.
- Immunomodulatory effects: Some research indicates that Epimedium may have a modulating effect on the immune system.
- Anticancer potential: Preliminary studies suggest that there may be anticancer compounds in Epimedium, though clinical evidence is not sufficient.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Epimedium, commonly known as Horny Goat Weed, can be used as a ground cover in shady gardens where few other plants thrive due to its dense foliage.
- The plant is often used for ornamental purposes in landscaping, thanks to its delicate and attractive flowers which bloom in spring.
- In floral arrangements, the unique shape and colors of Epimedium flowers can add an exotic touch to bouquets.
- The leaves of Epimedium can be used in dyeing fabrics, giving them varying shades of yellow or green depending on the mordant used.
- Some gardeners use Epimedium as a natural pest deterrent, as its presence can be unappealing to certain insects and deer, which tend to avoid its bitter taste.
- In regions where it is native, the dried leaves of Epimedium can sometimes be used to make a rustic type of herbal tea, though it is not a common practice.
- Creative crafters have used the distinctive shape of Epimedium leaves in pressed flower arts for creating natural motifs on paper or fabric.
- The plant's flexible stems have been utilized in basket weaving, contributing to an interesting texture in handmade baskets.
- Gardeners may also use Epimedium as a living mulch due to its dense growth habit, which helps to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- The dried seedpods of Epimedium can be incorporated into potpourris or used as decorative elements in wreaths and other dried floral arrangements.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Horny Goat Weed is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Horny Goat Weed is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and Attraction: Commonly known as Horny Goat Weed, Epimedium is often associated with love and attraction due to its purported aphrodisiac properties. The name itself suggests an enhancement of sexual desire and performance, making it symbolic in matters of romance and sensuality.
- Vitality and Endurance: The plant has been used traditionally as a tonic for improving vitality and endurance. Its symbolism in this context speaks to resilience, stamina, and the ability to persevere through challenges.
- Medicinal Properties: Epimedium is known for its use in traditional medicine, particularly in Chinese herbalism. As such, it symbolizes healing, wellness, and the balance of physical energies within the body.
- Protection: In some cultural beliefs, plants with medicinal qualities are also thought to offer spiritual protection. Epimedium could symbolically guard against bad luck or negative forces due to its health-giving properties.
WaterThe Barrenwort should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to slightly dry out between watering sessions. It is crucial to avoid overwatering, so make sure the top inch of soil is dry before adding more water. A good practice is to provide roughly one gallon of water for mature plants and adjust the amount based on rainfall and temperature, ensuring that the soil is moist but not soggy. During the growing season in spring and summer, keep the soil consistently moist; reduce watering frequency in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant.
LightBarrenwort thrives in partial shade to full shade, ideally receiving filtered sunlight or morning sun followed by afternoon shade. The best spot for this plant is under the canopy of deciduous trees, where it can receive dappled sunlight. Avoid placing it in areas with harsh, direct afternoon sunlight to prevent leaf scorch.
TemperatureBarrenwort prefers a temperate climate with temperatures ranging ideally between 50°F and 75°F. They can survive temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 80°F, but these are extremes. The plant grows best in a stable environment without sudden temperature changes and avoids exposure to harsh winter winds.
PruningPrune Barrenwort in late winter or early spring to remove old, damaged, or dead foliage, which encourages new growth and maintains a neat appearance. After flowering, pruning can also help promote a second flush of leaves. The best time for a more thorough pruning is when the plant is dormant, just before the new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Bishop's Hat prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. The best soil mix can be created by combining garden soil, compost, and perlite or pine bark fines in equal parts to ensure moisture retention and aeration.
RepottingBishop's Hat should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when it outgrows its current container, to refresh the soil and provide room for growth.
Humidity & MistingBishop's Hat thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% and 70%. It can tolerate lower humidity but may not grow as vigorously.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Bishop's Hat in bright, indirect light, with moist soil and high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant Bishop's Hat in a shaded area with moist soil and shelter from harsh sun.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Epimedium rhizomatosum, commonly known as Barrenwort, begins with the germination of seeds in a moist, shaded environment, typically in spring. Once established, the seedlings develop a rhizomatous root system which allows them to spread and become perennial plants. The plant then enters a vegetative growth phase, producing heart-shaped leaves and building up energy for reproduction. In early to mid-spring, Barrenwort produces small, delicate flowers, often in shades of yellow, red, or purple, enticing pollinators and facilitating cross-pollination. After successful pollination, the plant develops dry, dehiscent fruit capsules which release seeds when mature, thus completing the reproductive stage. In preparation for winter, the leaves of Barrenwort may die back, with the rhizomes lying dormant until conditions are favourable for new growth in the next cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Epimedium, commonly known as the Barrenwort, is by division. This is typically done in late summer to early fall, after the flowering season has finished. To propagate by division, the grower should carefully lift the plant from the ground with a spade, ensuring a generous amount of soil is kept around the roots. The root mass is then gently teased apart into smaller clumps, making sure each clump has at least one growth bud. These divisions should be immediately replanted at the same depth they were growing at before and watered in well. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy to encourage root establishment. It's essential to provide some shade for the newly planted divisions to protect them from direct sunlight while they settle into their new location.
