Epimedium brevicornum Seeds | Short-horned Epimedium
LATIN NAME: Epimedium brevicornum
COMMON NAME: Short-horned Epimedium
Plant Profile
Epimedium brevicornum, commonly known as Short-horned Epimedium, is a ground cover in the berberis family. Short-horned epimedium hearts delicate, wiry stems with heart-shaped, toothed leaves and small, white and yellow flowers in loose sprays through spring, the whole plant carrying the graceful, woodland look of the barrenworts. Flowers open with spurred petals, leaves flush with pink and bronze in new growth, and plant spreads into neat, leafy ground cover. Dried leaves have served traditional remedies for generations. Bees and other pollinators visit the flowers freely through the season. Add these qualities together and you have a species well worth a place in the garden.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the berberis family, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. In berberis family, epimediums keep a double record: woodland charm for garden and medicinal leaves for traditional pharmacy. For researchers, plants like this one offer practical material for propagation studies and selection work.
Uses & Benefits
Short-horned Epimedium works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. In shaded garden, short-horned epimedium heals in the shade. Dried leaves have served traditional tonics for generations, heart-leaved mats spread into neat ground cover, and spurred spring flowers draw early bees. It grows happily in cool, leafy bed and rewards grower with steady, useful leaf harvest. Thereafter it wants only the ordinary attentions any garden plant receives.
Horny goat weed, Yin Yang Huo, is a famous Chinese yang tonic, and its flavonoid icariin is one of the most studied natural compounds for bone density and circulatory effects; the dainty spring flowers make it a shade-garden jewel as well.
Growing from Seed
Short-horned Epimedium grows readily from seed. Sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly into a loose, well-drained seed compost, water in gently, and keep the sowing in partial shade with steady moisture. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
Given the right start, Short-horned Epimedium is a long-term garden companion. Even moisture while the seed is chitting is the main thing; afterwards it largely looks after itself.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Short-horned Epimedium often pair it with these related subjects: