Barrenwort

Epimedium Tourn. ex L.

Family: Berberidaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: No hazard foundPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

None stated. This record does not say any part is safe to eat (the NC State page's edibility line is left out because this is an ornamental).

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

The sources we use do not describe a hazard to people.

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Neither source lists this genus as toxic or as non-toxic, so there is no pet verdict either way. Any plant can upset a pet's stomach; call a vet or the ASPCA Poison Control line if a pet eats a lot of it.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 5a to 8b for the genus (NC State genus page). NC State's page for Epimedium x rubrum lists 5a to 9b, so the species page and the genus page differ; both are shown. Zone 10 is not listed by either.
Water needs: moderate (moist but well-drained; drought tolerant once established)
Mature size: About 8 to 10 inches tall and 1 to 1.5 feet wide for the genus (NC State attribute list). The x rubrum page gives up to 1 foot tall and 2.5 feet wide.
Where it comes from: Asia and the Mediterranean; most species are native to China, a few to the Mediterranean area (NC State).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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