Barrenwort (bishop’s hat) Epimedium grandiflorum
Barrenwort (bishop’s hat) (Epimedium grandiflorum) is a deciduous perennial groundcover in the Berberidaceae family, native to Japan, Korea and north-eastern China. It grows 20–35 cm (8–14 in) tall and 30–45 cm (12–18 in) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -28 °C (-18 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Barrenwort (bishop’s hat) at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Berberidaceae |
| Mature height | 20–35 cm (8–14 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–45 cm (12–18 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -28 °C (-18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Japan, Korea and north-eastern China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇨🇳 China, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Barrenwort (bishop’s hat) toxic?
- People: not well documented
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Not known as a garden poison, but sold in concentrated supplements that can have side effects; do not eat the plant.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Barrenwort (bishop’s hat)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about Barrenwort (bishop’s hat)
- How far apart should I plant Barrenwort (bishop’s hat)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–45 cm (12–18 in).
- Does Barrenwort (bishop’s hat) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Barrenwort (bishop’s hat) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Barrenwort (bishop’s hat)?
- It tolerates about -28 °C (-18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Barrenwort (bishop’s hat) flower?
- From about April for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Barrenwort (bishop’s hat) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not well documented. Not known as a garden poison, but sold in concentrated supplements that can have side effects; do not eat the plant.
- What grows well with Barrenwort (bishop’s hat)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Barrenwort (bishop’s hat). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Spurred flowers like a bishop’s mitre float over bronze-tinted young leaves in spring. Cut old foliage back in late winter to show the flowers. Slow, long-lived and good under trees.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Heavenly bamboo (nandina) Nandina domestica
- Oregon grape Berberis aquifolium
- Japanese barberry Berberis thunbergii
- Calafate (box-leaved barberry) Berberis microphylla
- Darwin’s barberry (michay) Berberis darwinii
- Mayapple (American mandrake) Podophyllum peltatum
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Hosta Hosta spp.