Epimedium alpinum, commonly known as Alpine Barrenwort, is a perennial herb native to the mountainous regions of Italy, Austria, the Balkans, and Albania. It is often found in the dappled shade of deciduous forests, thriving on well-drained, humus-rich soils. Alpine Barrenwort typically grows to a height of 12 inches (30 cm) with a similar spread, featuring heart-shaped leaves and delicate, nodding flowers. The flowers, which appear in early to mid-spring, are small but quite showy, with a unique composition of yellow sepals and red petals that resemble little lanterns. The foliage is semi-evergreen, providing visual interest throughout multiple seasons.

Alpine Barrenwort is valued for its ornamental flowers and ground-covering ability, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, rock gardens, and shaded borders. It is particularly useful for underplanting shrubs and trees. This plant prefers part shade to full shade conditions and requires consistently moist, well-drained soil. It is relatively low-maintenance, but benefits from the removal of old foliage in late winter or early spring to make way for new growth. While not common in general cultivation, it is cherished by plant enthusiasts for its subtle beauty and resilience to pests and diseases. Epimedium × rubrum, a hybrid of E. alpinum and E. grandiflorum, has been recognized for its garden value with the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.CC BY-SA 4.0