Description
Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea) is a cheerful, yellow-flowering perennial wildflower in the carrot family (Apiaceae), native to eastern Canada and the United States. Named after the German botanist Johann Baptist Ziz, this early-season bloomer produces brilliant golden umbels that light up gardens and prairies for several weeks in late spring to early summer.
Growing well in heavy clay and moist, well-drained soils, Golden Alexanders is a low-maintenance plant that self-seeds and returns reliably each year. It thrives in full sun to light shade and can tolerate partial shade, making it a flexible addition to diverse landscapes.
This species is not only beautiful but ecologically important—it serves as a host plant for Black Swallowtail and Ozark Swallowtail butterflies, which rely on Apiaceae family plants to lay their eggs. Its nectar-rich flowers also attract a wide range of short-tongued pollinators.
Golden Alexanders pairs well with companions like Blue False Indigo, Red Columbine, and Fox Sedge, offering vibrant contrast and supporting healthy native plant communities. It’s an ideal choice for pollinator gardens, wet meadows, and prairie restorations looking for early-season color and ecological value.
