Epimedium grandiflorum aka Barrenwort

Epimedium grandiflorum, also known as the large flowered barrenwort or bishop's hat, is a unique and rare herbaceous perennial. Native to Japan, Korea, the Mediterranean, and temperate East Asia, this low-growing plant forms clumps and features heart-shaped light green leaves that turn orange and red in the autumn. Its attractive foliage is primarily basal and divided 2 or 3 times, giving the plant an airy appearance on wiry stems. The leaves have beautiful veining and start off bronzy pink before maturing to green, sometimes with maroon or gold edges in the fall. The flowers of the barrenwort are delicate and hang in racemes, resembling columbines. They have four petals and come in various colors, including pink, lavender, beige, yellow, purple, white, or red. Each bloom also has a flirtatious spur at its base. The plant grows from rhizomes, which can be difficult to find but are available at specialty nurseries. With time, the barrenwort naturalizes and forms a dense mat of foliage, making it an excellent choice for a perennial ground cover in low light situations.