Leaf type: Heart-shaped, also arrow-shaped
Leaf edge: Smooth, toothed
Phyllotaxis: Basal
Colour: Green, green-brown marbled
Life cycle: Evergreen perennial herbaceous plant
Leaf (upper side)
Habitus & biology
Epimedium pinnatum is an evergreen perennial that reaches heights of 20 to 40 centimeters.
The relatively hard leaves are roundish-heart-shaped and occasionally arrow-shaped. The edge can be smooth to toothed.
It spreads by short runners.
Distribution & habitates
The distribution area is in China and western Asia (source).
As Epimedium pinnatum is suitable for shady locations and also tolerates dry soils, it is popular as a ground cover in parks and gardens.
Botany
Epimedium pinnatum belongs to the barberry family (Berberidaceae).
The barrenworts that can be seen in parks and gardens are usually not the wild form, but cultivated varieties. For example, Epimedium × perralchicum “Frohnleiten”.
Epimedium × perralchicum is a horticultural hybrid (cross) of Epimedium pinnatum and Epimedium perralderianum.
