common name:
Golden Alexanders
|
scientific name:
Zizia
aurea
Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea) blooming in the Backyard Farmer Garden in April 2026.
Image Creadit:
Trey Lamkins, Graduate Research Assistant
Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea) is a native, early-season perennial that brings vibrant yellow color to the spring landscape. Its flat-topped clusters of small yellow flowers resemble those of other members of the carrot family and provide an important nectar source for pollinators emerging early in the season. Notably, it serves as a host plant for black swallowtail butterfly larvae, making it especially valuable in pollinator gardens.
Charecteristics
Plant type:
Herbaceous perennial
Hardiness Zones:
3, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 7, 8
Light Needs:
Full Sun
Part Shade
Water Needs:
Moist
Space Requirements:
12 inches – 3 feet
Height Requirements:
2–4 feet
Spread Requirements:
1–2 feet
Bloom Color:
Yellow
Bloom Time:
Spring
Leaf Color:
Green
Wildlife Attraction:
Butterflies
Companion Plant Tolerance:
Erosion
Clay Soil
Wet Soil
Uses:
Ground Cover
Naturalize
Rain Garden
Varieties