Zizia aurea (Golden Alexanders)
Golden Zizia, Golden Alexanders
Zizia aurea (Golden Alexanders) is a short-lived perennial boasting large, flat-topped clusters, 4 in. across (10 cm), of tiny, brilliant yellow flowers from late spring to early summer. They are an exceptional early season nectar source for bees and butterflies. Resembling Queen Anne's Lace flowers, the blossoms are borne atop erect, branching stems. They give way to deep plum seedheads, adding summer interest. The lush deep green foliage is divided into threes once (upper leaves) or twice (lower leaves), and turns shades or oranges and reds in the fall. A great naturalizer, Golden Alexanders spreads readily by seed to form large colonies in ideal conditions. It is valued for its early flowers in prairie restorations.
- Grows up to 18-36 in. tall (45-90 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm).
- Performs best in full sun or part shade in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils.
- An excellent choice for woodland gardens, cottage gardens, prairies, wildflower gardens.
- No serious pest or disease issues.
- Plant stratified seed in fall. Plants can also be divided.
- Native from eastern Canada to the southern United States
Buy Zizia aurea (Golden Alexanders)
Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 8 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 24" (60cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Rocky Mountains, Montana, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Frank Mayfield, Flickr,, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 8 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 24" (60cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Rocky Mountains, Montana, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |