barrenwort

Epimedium alpinum (L.) is a member of the Berberidaceae family and is native to the mountainous regions of Italy, Austria, the former Yugoslavia, and Albania. It has also been introduced to central Europe. This species is a small, perennial plant that thrives in rocky environments and is often found in rock gardens. It is noted for its cultivation in botanical gardens and among botanists. The species was described in 1753, and historical records indicate that Linnaeus based his description on garden material. The Colli Euganei near Padova, Italy, is considered the type locality. A hybrid of E. alpinum with E. grandiflorum, Epimedium × rubrum, has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.