golden alexanders
Zizia aurea
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size1 to 3 feet tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Yellow
- Foliage color
- Green, purple/lavender
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Golden alexanders (Zizia aurea) is a perennial for pollinator gardens, meadows, and woodland gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Flat-topped clusters of tiny yellow flowers draw butterflies and bees. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything. The seedheads turn purple and add summer interest.
Pairs well with Butterfly milkweed, Little bluestem, and Wild bergamot.
Native range
AL, AR, CT, DC, and 40 more places. See all 44
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; MB, NB, NS, ON, QC, and SK.