Barrenwort (Epimedium alpinum, Sp. Pl.: 117 (1753))

Family: Berberidaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 117 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Epimedium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Austria to Albania

Description

Barrenwort, known scientifically as Epimedium alpinum, is a captivating perennial plant esteemed for its delicate beauty and resilience. This herbaceous plant belongs to the Berberidaceae family, a diverse group known for its ornamental and medicinal members.

Originating from regions spanning Austria to Albania, Barrenwort thrives in environments that offer both shade and well-drained soil, making it a versatile addition to garden landscapes. It is particularly favored in rock gardens, woodland gardens, and shaded borders where it can form charming ground cover.

The foliage of Barrenwort is one of its standout features. The leaves are typically heart-shaped, often exhibiting a striking reddish hue in the spring before maturing to a lush green. As the seasons change, the foliage may take on bronze or purplish tones, adding a dynamic splash of color through the year.

One of the most engaging attributes of Barrenwort is its enchanting flowers. These small, exquisite blooms appear in the spring, suspended on slender, wiry stems. They often showcase a delightful mix of colors, including soft pinks, vibrant purples, and delicate whites. The flowers give the plant an airy, almost ethereal quality that is both subtle and charming.

Barrenwort is also appreciated for its adaptability and low maintenance requirements. It is relatively drought-tolerant once established and can withstand dry, shaded conditions that many other plants might find challenging. This makes it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add enduring beauty to less hospitable locations in their landscapes.

Furthermore, Barrenwort has earned a reputation for its utility in traditional medicine. Various cultures have utilized it to address ailments ranging from fatigue to sexual dysfunction, though it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before using any plant medicinally.

In summary, Epimedium alpinum, or Barrenwort, is a remarkable plant that brings grace and resilience to gardens from Austria to Albania and beyond. Its delicate flowers, attractive foliage, and adaptability make it a beloved choice for gardeners seeking an elegant, low-maintenance ground cover.

Common Names

Dan: alpe-bispehue, grå vår-potentil, norsk potentil, rank potentil
Deu: alpen-sockenblume
Fra: chapeau-d’évêque, fleur des elfes alpinum, épimède, épimède des alpes
Swe: grå småfingerört, norsk fingerört, revfingerört, styv fingerört, alpsockblomma, sockblomma
Nor: norsk mure, stormure
Fin: peltohanhikki, pystyhanhikki, sakarahanhikki, suikerohanhikki
Eng: barrenwort, pink epimedium, happy medium
Ces: škornice alpská
Nld: epimedium
En: Barrenwort, Pink epimedium, Alpine Barrenwort, Happy Medium
Ar: أبيمديون ألبي
Bg: Алпийски епимедиум
Hr: Planinska biskupska kapica
Cs: Škornice alpská
Da: Alpe-bispehue, Grå Vår-Potentil, Norsk Potentil, Rank Potentil
Nl: Epimedium
Fi: Alppivarjohiippa, Peltohanhikki, Pystyhanhikki, Sakarahanhikki, Suikerohanhikki
Fr: Fleur des elfes alpinum, Chapeau-d’évêque, Épimède, Épimède des Alpes, Épimédium des Alpes
De: Alpen-Sockenblume, Elfenblume, Sockenblume
Is: Alpamítur
It: Epimedio alpino
Gv: Bossan gennish
No: Norsk mure, Stormure
Ru: Эпимедиум альпийский
Sv: Alpsockblomma, Grå småfingerört, Norsk fingerört, Revfingerört, Styv fingerört, Sockblomma

Synonyms

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Italy (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Apr 12, 2020 by Elisabeth Ahlers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 21, 2020 by Reinhard Bachmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 15, 2021 by mariepierre sacareau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 28, 2022 by hanne stawarz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Dec 2, 2021 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 26, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 18, 2019 by Johnen P. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 20, 2010 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2020 by Elisabeth Ahlers (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 19, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2020 by Thomas Dumortier (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 21, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7695021)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:107260-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Epimedium alpinum L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 6.5

Light: 4

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Soil nutriments: 6