Epimedium: The Woodland Herb Behind the Nickname
Epimedium is a small herb with a story that is a little bigger than the plant.
A shade-loving herb
Epimedium has heart-shaped leaves and delicate spring flowers. Most species come from China, and gardeners grow them as groundcover in shady beds.
The folk tale behind the nickname
The name horny goat weed comes from a story about a goat herder who noticed his animals frisky after grazing on it. It is a folk tale, not science.
What is icariin?
Icariin is a plant compound found in epimedium leaves. You may see it named on labels or in articles about the plant.
From leaf to ingredient
The leaves are picked in summer, dried and ground, or made into an extract. See the epimedium profile for the quick version.*
Sources
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary supplements, what you need to know
- NCCIH: Using dietary supplements wisely
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