Epimedium alpinum - Alpine barrenwort

Alpine barrenwort (Epimedium alpinum) is a delicate, herbaceous plant from the Berberitz family (Berberidaceae). It is primarily known for its graceful flowers and its remarkable adaptability to shady locations. Originally native to the mountainous regions of Europe, it is also valued in gardens due to its decorative properties and robustness.

Morphology

Epimedium alpinum is a persistent plant that reaches stimulus heights of around 15 to 30 cm. It forms a dense root network made of creeping rhizomes, which contributes to ground strength and enables the plant to spread vegetatively. Their leaves are changeable, long stemed and consist of up to three -part petals. The leaf blades are heart -shaped to oval, finely serrated and often rinted reddish, especially in young shoots or in autumn.

The flowers of Epimedium alpinum are small, about 1–2 cm tall, and arranged in loose, torture inflorescences. Each flower has four outer sepals that fall off quickly and four larger, often spur -like extended crown leaves. The flower color varies from violet to reddish to yellowish. The flowering period ranges from April to May, which means that the plant is one of the early bloomers.

Distribution and habitat

The natural distribution area of Epimedium alpinum comprises the Alps and adjacent areas such as the Carpathians and the Balkan region. The plant prefers shady to partially shady locations in deciduous forests, on forest edges or on rocky. It thrives best on humus -rich, calcareous soils that are well permeable and damp but not astonished. Her resistance to drought makes them competitive even in rocky or moderately dry habitats.

Ecological meaning

Epimedium alpinum plays an important role in shady ecosystems by preventing soil erosion as a ground cover and contributing to the soil improvement. The flowers serve as a source of food for various insects, especially bees and hoverflies. Through her rhizome formation, it promotes biodiversity by creating structural micro -life spaces for soil organisms.

Use and culture

In the garden culture Epimedium alpinum Often used as an ornamental plant, especially in shady areas of perennial beds or as a subsequent planting of trees. Your decorative leaves, which remain attractive all year round, make you a popular choice for natural plant concepts. The plant is easy to care for, disease -resistant and only needs an annual pruning to remove old leaves.

Toxicology and medical importance

Epimedium alpinum has no direct applications in traditional European medicine, the genus is Epimedium Generally known for their pharmacologically active ingredients, especially flavonoids like Icariin. These substances are used in traditional Chinese medicine, especially to strengthen and promote blood circulation. Whether similar active ingredients in Epimedium alpinum occurrence requires further examinations.

Protection and hazard

Epimedium alpinum is not acute at risk in its natural distribution area, but benefits from the protection of natural deciduous forests and partially shaded habitats. However, the loss of forests and the increase in intensive agriculture could affect their stocks in the long term.