In all these Epimediums the leaves are held on slender, stiff stems, at about the same level as the flowers, which in a few species can be hidden from view. A shearing in late February or early March clears the way for enjoyment of the fresh unfurling leaves and the beautiful small flowers. They look delicate, but they are tough. Vancouveria is a closely related genus.

Epimedium grandiflorum 'Nanum' is an exceptionally neat and compact form, with leaves that are bronze when they emerge, shortly before the white flowers with quite long spurs.