Barrenworts (Epimedium) possess an impressive constitution that lets them survive dry shade once established. But did you know they are a barberry relation?
When most gardeners see an article about the plant family Berberidaceae, their immediate reaction is one of disdain, because they quickly associate the family with Berberis thunbergii, or Japanese barberry, now considered highly invasive in many states. Unfortunately, other members of the barberry family—plants with wonderful ornamental appeal in varied garden situations—are frequently treated with similar yet unjustified disdain.
The barberry family consists of 18 genera of flowering plants, with roughly 700 species, including trees, shrubs and perennials. Both evergreen and deciduous members are represented and many of the shrubs have spines along their stems. Flowers come in variety of shapes and hues and often result in colorful