Barrenworts (Epimedium spp.) are a  collection of ground cover species mostly from Asia and Europe. None are native to North America, but most thrive in gardens in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6 and 7). There are currently 21 known species worldwide.

Also called Bishop’s hat, barrenworts are one of our finest groundcovers for part sun to part shade areas. Some are evergreen or others deciduous with leaves gradually turning red, purple, crimson and scarlet in late fall. Most species grow 6-12 inches in height.

The dictionary defines the word “wort” as “a herbaceous plant lacking a permanent woody stem” or “a flowering plants important as a medicinal herb”. Barrenworts are both. Barrenworts are woodland plants which are used as groundcovers woodland garden or shaded rock garden. Plants are slow growing at first and newer varieties are expensive to purchase. 

A soil should be well amended with organic matter and kept moderately moist to speed fill-in. Once they become established, barrenworts are tough survivors in dry shady areas of the garden.

Whether you grow evergreen or deciduous types, cut them back (4 – 5 inches mowing height) to the ground in late winter to visibly enjoy the small white, yellow, pink or red flowers, depending on the species grown. Barrenworts are disease, insect and deer munching free.