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Native Plant Database

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Zizia aurea (Golden zizia)
Flaigg, Norman G.

Zizia aurea (L.) W.D.J. Koch

Golden zizia, Golden Alexanders

Apiaceae (Carrot Family)

USDA Symbol: ZIAU

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Golden alexanders is a short-lived perennial with branching, erect, reddish stems. The lower leaves are divided into threes twice while the upper leaves are divided once. The yellow flowers less than 1/8 inch long. Each tiny flower has 5 sepals, 5 petals, and 5 stamens. Separate clusters of tiny, yellow flowers gather into a large, flat-topped flower head, the middle flower of each umbel being stalkless. Dry seedheads turn purple, adding summer interest. The plant is 1-3 ft. tall.

Other yellow-flowering members of the carrot family include: Heart-leaved Meadow Parsnip (Z. aptera), with simple heart-shaped basal leaves; and Yellow Pimpernel (Taenidia integerrima), with compound leaves and untoothed leaflets. A common southern Meadow Parsnip of a different genus, Thaspium trifoliatum, sometimes called Golden Alexanders as well, has only 3 lanceolate, untoothed leaflets.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , MT , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WV
Canada: MB , NB , NS , ON , QC , SK
Native Distribution: Que. to Sask. & Flathead Co., MT, s. to New England, FL & TX
Native Habitat: Moist prairies; thickets; open woods
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist, sandy or sandy-clay soils.

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Black Swallowtail
Deer Resistant: Moderate

Value to Beneficial Insects

Special Value to Native Bees
Supports Conservation Biological Control

This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)

Zizia aurea is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Black Swallowtail
(Papilio polyxenes)

Larval Host
Learn more at BAMONA

Propagation

Description: Plant stratified seed in fall. Seeds germinate best in cool soil. Plants can also be divided.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Plant stratified seed in fall. Seeds germinate best in cool soil.
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery - Orefield, PA
Ohio Prairie Nursery - Hiram, OH
American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA
Prairie Nursery - Westfield, WI

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Native Plant Center at Westchester Community College, The - Valhalla, NY
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
* Available Online from Wildflower Center Store

Bibliography

Bibref 928 - 100 easy-to-grow native plants for Canadian gardens (2005) Johnson, L.; A. Leyerle
Bibref 1186 - Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America (2005) Covell, C.V., Jr.
Bibref 1185 - Field Guide to Western Butterflies (Peterson Field Guides) (1999) Opler, P.A. and A.B. Wright
Bibref 946 - Gardening with Prairie Plants: How to Create Beautiful Native Landscapes (2002) Wasowski, Sally
Bibref 293 - Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas (1979) Correll, D. S. & M. C. Johnston
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.
Bibref 248 - Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. Loughmiller
* The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.
Bibref 328 - Wildflowers of Texas (2003) Ajilvsgi, Geyata.

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Zizia aurea in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Zizia aurea in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Zizia aurea

Metadata

Record Modified: 2012-10-03
Research By: TWC Staff

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