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 x cantabrigiense is a hybrid of Epimedium alpinum and E. pubigerum, which occurred, naturally, at Cambridge Botanic Garden. and Epimedium alpinum The leaves are green, but when they first emerge in spring they are coppery coloured. Orange flowers soon follow, and they too are a copper/orange colour with yellow centres.