Sandy Claws Barrenwort (Epimedium wushanense 'Sandy Claws') - Winnetka Plant Club | North Shore Plant Club

Sandy Claws Barrenwort (Epimedium wushanense 'Sandy Claws') ep-ih-MEE-dee-um wushanense 'Sandy Claws'
Deciduous Perennial in the Berberidaceae Family


Epimedium, commonly called barrenwort, bishop's hat, or fairy wings, is a genus of roughly 60 species of rhizomatous, clump-forming perennials native primarily to East Asia, with a few species from the Mediterranean region. Grown for their airy, often spurred flowers held on wiry stems above compound, heart-shaped leaflets, Epimedium is one of the most reliable groundcovers for dry shade, including the difficult conditions found under mature trees and shrubs. New spring foliage frequently emerges tinted bronze or red before turning green for summer, and many selections show bronze or red tones again in fall. Flower color varies widely by species and hybrid, spanning white, yellow, pink, red, and purple, often bicolored. Once established, plants are drought-tolerant, deer- and rabbit-resistant, and spread slowly by rhizomes to form a dense, weed-suppressing mat without becoming invasive. Many gardeners cut back old foliage in late winter, just before new flower spikes emerge, since last year's leaves often persist through winter.
Pros Thrives in dry shade where few perennials succeed Deer- and rabbit-resistant Low-maintenance once established Attractive year-round foliage with spring and fall color interest
Cons Slow to establish and spread in the first year or two Delicate flowers can be hidden beneath foliage unless old leaves are cut back Most species need reliably moist soil the first season to establish

Plant Data
Sun Exposure	Full Shade - Partial Shade
Tags	Deciduous, Full Shade, Partial Shade, Perennial
Foliage Color


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We try very hard to source exactly what you’d like, but sometimes growers run out of plants! While this variety is a great deal at the price shown, we know that it has limited availability. If you want the plant even if it might be more expensive, or in a different size or quantity -- after you place your order, just send us a quick note at help@northshoreplantclub.com. Then, we’ll try to get you some version of this from one of our growers. And if we can’t get it from anywhere, of course, we’ll send a refund!

Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.

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No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

Our goal is to bring as many plants together under "one roof" as possible, so we'll try hard to make it available again in the future!