Epimedium sagittatum -

Family:	Berberidaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.5
Width:	0.4
Synonyms:	E. sinense.
Range:	E. Asia - China.

Epimedium sagittatum () is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.5m and a width of 0.4m . It has a hardness rating of 6and is quite resiliant to frost.
Epimedium sagittatum will flower in November to December. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by

Soil Information

Epimedium sagittatum will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Epimedium sagittatum prefers either dry or moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Hillsides in damp shady bamboo groves or in cliff crevices[147]. Moist woodlands[238].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge
• Can spread to cover ground and will out compete weeds

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in any fertile humus-rich soil[200], preferring a peaty loam[1]. Grows best in semi-shade[200]. Plants can succeed in the dry shade of trees[233]. Although the plants are hardy to at least -15°c, the young growth in spring can be killed by frosts[238]. Grows well in the rock garden or wild garden[1]. Cultivated as a medicinal plant in Japan[58]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[233].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 2/5
Young plant and young leaves - cooked[105]. Soaked and then boiled[177]. (This suggests that the leaves are bitter and need to be soaked in order to remove the bitterness.)

• Leaves -

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 3/5
The whole plant is antirheumatic, aphrodisiac, carminative, expectorant, ophthalmic and vasodilator. Used as a kidney tonic, it also treats sterility and barrenness[147, 178, 238]. It is taken internally in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, cold or numb extremities, arthritis, lumbago, impotence, involuntary and premature ejaculation, high blood pressure and absentmindedness[238]. It should be used with some caution since in excess it can cause vomiting, dizziness, thirst and nosebleeds[238]. The plant is harvested in the growing season and dried for later use[238].

• Antirheumatic - Treats rheumatism.
• Aphrodisiac - Increases the sexual appetite.
• Carminative - Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.
• Expectorant - Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
• Infertility - Used in treating problems of human fertility.
• Kidney - Used in the treatment of kidney diseases
• Ophthalmic - Treats eye complaints.
• Tonic - Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
• Vasodilator - Widens the blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure.

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in late summer[200]. Sow stored seed as early as possible in the year in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in the cold frame or greenhouse for at least their first winter[K]. Plant them out in mid to late summer[K]. Division in July/August according to one report, in late spring according to another[200]. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring. Cuttings in late summer[200].

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

A good ground cover plant[200].

• Ground cover - Usually low growing plants that can be grown with other plants, especially shrubs and trees, to prevent the growth of weeds.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

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