Epimedium wushanense - Barrenwort

Small. evergreen, understorey shrubs or deciduous perennials, which owe their name to the lightness of their flowers. These very beautiful shade plants can be cultivated in borders or in a large shady rockery, preferably along a path to fully enjoy their great beauty. They can all withstand temperatures as low as  -13°C (8.6°F) without any protection. The highly cold-resistant western species can tolerate difficult conditions, such as living in dense shade under trees, in very dry soil or in moist clay soil.  The Asian species prefer a soil that remains damp to moist in summer, well-drained, rich in humus, without limestone, and can also tolerate dense shade. They all grow relatively slowly, but can live for many years in one place without any special care.

Vigorous stump with very villous petioles carrying a very beautiful, surprisingly long and narrow evergreen foliage that can measure 20cm (8in) long by 6cm (2in) wide.  These are very tough, with spiny edges, shiny, initially dark olive green, then very dark green, remaining in winter.  They are practically never damaged by temperature variations. Blooms are very tall blackish spikes that can bear up to 100 flowers each. These are flowers with long, beautifully frizzled spurs, bright yellow with very prominent lime green sepals.