This genus consists of about 25 species and many named hybrids. Some of them form clumps while others are spreading perennials that multiply by woody rhizomes. They tend to move at a moderate rate and are not considered invasive although they work well as a groundcover.

The foliage of epimediums is called "semi-evergreen" which means that, in areas with mild winters, the foliage maintains itself through the winter. In severe winters, the foliage may be damaged and need to be cut down in the early spring to encourage new growth.

They have compound leaves with 3 leaflets of a leathery texture. Most of them have smooth, shiny leaves during the growing season. The new foliage may emerge with shades of red before turning dark green. At the end of the season, may epimediums display a bronze to red foliage.

The flowers are delicate and droop or nod from the flower scape. They have 4 inner and 4 outer sepals and may be spurred or hooded. Epimediums rarely set seed which might indicate that they are self-sterile.

Overall, this species is easy to grow but will not tolerate full sun and dry soils. In shade with adequate moisture, they will spread their rhizomes slowly to fill an area as a ground cover.

In historical times, a drug meant to prevent women from conception was extracted from the root of a plant that resembles epimedium. Thus the common name of "Barrenwort."

People thought that the 4 sepaled flowers resembled the typical "Bishop's Hat" common in earlier times.