Barrenwort (Barren Wort, Fairy Wings, Bishop's Hat, Bishops Hat, Horny Goat Weed, Epimedium)
Do not Feed
- Common Name: Barrenwort (Barren Wort, Fairy Wings, Bishop's Hat, Bishops Hat, Horny Goat Weed, Epimedium)
- Latin Name: Epimedium spp., esp. E.grandiflorum
- Family Name: Berberidaceae
The Epimedium has a bitter taste (indicating that tannins are present), and contains high levels of icariin, which is used in the treatment of impotence and sexual disfunction in humans. It also grows from rhizomes (and plants growing from bulbs or rhizomes are not recommended for tortoises), so although we can find no record of either harm or benefits to tortoises, we recommend that you err on the side of caution and do not feed. However, if your tortoise accidentally nibbles a few leaves it is no cause for alarm.
Flowers are either purple or yellow but can also be seen in red, white, and lemon and white.
Flowers are either purple or yellow but can also be seen in red, white, and lemon and white.
