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