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Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Golden alexander,Zizia aurea

Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea) is a bright, early-blooming perennial wildflower native to much of eastern and central North America.

Key features

  • Family: Apiaceae (carrot or parsley family)
  • Height: Typically 1–3 feet (30–90 cm)
  • Bloom time: Late spring to early summer (April–June in most areas)
  • Flowers: Clusters of small, bright yellow, 5-petaled flowers arranged in flat-topped umbels, resembling miniature wild parsnip blooms
  • Leaves: Alternate, divided into toothed leaflets; basal leaves are more rounded while stem leaves are narrower
  • Habitat: Moist prairies, open woods, meadows, and streambanks
  • Pollinators: Attracts native bees, flies, wasps, and butterflies; also serves as a host plant for the black swallowtail butterfly caterpillar

    Growing tips

  • Light: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade
  • Soil: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerates clay and loam
  • Maintenance: Low-care once established; self-seeds lightly
  • Uses: Excellent in native plant gardens, pollinator patches, and naturalized landscapes

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