Golden Alexander
Zizia aurea
Photo by Pam Ford
Summary
The sunny blooms of Golden Alexander fill the gap during that awkward period in late spring/early summer, when spring’s exuberance has faded but many other pollinator plants have yet to flower. Reminiscent in form of Queen Anne’s Lace, its composite blooms are an attractive nectar source for butterflies and bees. Golden Alexander tolerates quite a bit of shade but prefers to catch some sun on a regular basis. It can deal with any type of soil, including heavy clay or moist areas, and can even be grown near walnut trees–it’s juglone tolerant.
More Details
FAMILY
Apiaceae (Carrot)
BLOOM TIME
Late spring
FLOWER
yellow
MATURE SIZE
2-3 feet
LIGHT REQUIREMENT
Part shade/sun
SOIL CONDITIONS
any
NATIVE STATUS
PA Native
Ecosystem Connections
Reminiscent in form of Queen Anne’s Lace, the composite blooms are an attractive nectar source for butterflies and bees. There’s even a tiny mining bee that specializes in this plant (Andrena ziziae, pictured), collecting pollen from Zizia only. Because it’s a member of the carrot family (Apiaceae), it’s also a host plant for the black swallowtail butterfly, whose caterpillars will feed on its thick, deep green leaves.
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