Epimedium

Epimedium, the barrenworts, are among the toughest and most ornamentally refined ground cover perennials available for Martha's Vineyard's most challenging shaded and dry-shade situations, tolerating the root competition, summer drought, and low light found beneath dense tree canopy with a composure few other perennials can match. Their heart-shaped foliage, often developing attractive red and copper tints in autumn, is semi-evergreen in the island's mild maritime climate, providing coverage through the shoulder seasons that many other shade ground covers cannot sustain. The delicate spider-like flowers in spring add a layer of botanical refinement to what might otherwise be a purely utilitarian ground cover role.

Deer resistance is excellent across the genus. Estate Care professionals rely on epimedium as a go-to solution in the most difficult shaded dry-root-competition situations throughout the island, and they cut old foliage back to the ground in early March to allow the new season's emerging flowers and foliage to display themselves without obstruction.