Photo of Zizia aurea

Zizia aurea

Golden Alexander

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Yellow umbels of flowers bloom in late spring, providing a welcome source of nectar for bees and other pollinators.

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Description:

Yellow umbels of flowers bloom in late spring, providing a welcome source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. Although it prefers sun and moist loamy soil, this tenacious plant tolerates both wet and dry conditions, rich and poor soil, and sun and shade. The sprawling flowers on this relatively low-growing herbaceous perennial create a spreading mass of green and yellow texture in your spring garden. Golden Alexanders will colonize through self-seeding, filling-in gaps where soil is bare. Once the flowers die-back, the green leaves persist throughout the growing season. The leaves and seeds turn a pleasant purple color in the fall. Plant this easy-to-grow flower in your native garden, along woodland edges, in meadows, or wild areas in your yard.

Wildlife Value: A member of the Carrot Family, Golden Alexander is a host plant for the woodland swallowtail butterfly (Papilio joanae), and provides a source of nectar and pollen to short-tongued bees and other beneficial insects.

Plant Details:

Plant Type: Flower, Perennial

New Jersey Native: Yes

Bloom Times: Spring, Late Spring to Early Summer

Bloom Colors: Yellow

Deer Resistance: Some

Attracts Pollinators and Wildlife: Bees and Other Pollinators, Butterflies

Salt Tolerance: Medium

Hardiness Zone: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b

Physiographic Region: All Regions in NJ

Soil Characteristics

Soil Type: Loam, Organic, Sandy, Clay

Soil Moisture: Dry, Moist, Wet

Soil pH: Slightly Acidic, Neutral, Slightly Alkaline, Alkaline

Light Needs of Plant

Optimal Light: Full Sun

Light Range: Full Sun, Partial Shade, Shade

Water Needs of Plant

Soil Moisture: Dry, Moist, Wet

Drought Tolerance: High

Size and Growth Rate

Height: 1 - 2.5 ft

Spread: 1 - 2.5 ft

Growth Rate: Fast