Golden Alexander, Zizia aurea
Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea) is a native North American perennial wildflower known for its yellow, firework-like blooms that bloom in mid-spring—and, more importantly, for being the host plant for the black swallowtail butterfly. The butterfly lays eggs on the plant’s attractive umbels, which provide food for the eventual caterpillars.
The plant has a long bloom time, about a month. It’s a bright, happy flower that is an excellent source of food for pollinators early in the spring. Golden Alexander is part of the carrot family and looks very much like wild parsnip, which contains sap that is phototoxic (skin contact with the sap, followed by exposure to sunlight, can cause a rash).
Three ways to tell the difference between the golden Alexander and wild parsnip are size, leaf shape, and bloom time. Golden Alexander is lower-growing, up to three feet tall, while wild parsnip grows to four to five feet tall. The leaves of golden Alexander are smooth and finely serrated, whereas wild parsnip’s are deep and forked. Bloom time is between April and June for golden Alexander; between June and July for wild parsnip.
Cheat Sheet
- Golden Alexander is native to the eastern US and Canada and is hardy in zones 3 to 8. It likes full sun to part shade and can thrive in a variety of soils.
- It grows between a foot to three feet high and spreads to about two feet.
- The tiny yellow flowers are in flat-topped umbel clusters held high over the plant.
- It is deer-resistant and once established, drought tolerant.
- Self sows well. Great for a naturalized area in your garden.
Keep It Alive
- Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter before planting.
- Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart.
- Water regularly until established (generally the first full year in the ground).
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- Divide every 3 to 5 years to keep plants healthy and vigorous.
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