Zizia aurea (Golden Alexander): Native Yellow Umbels for Wet Gardens

Overview

Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea) is a lovely eastern U.S. native with delicate lemon-yellow broccoli-like flower umbels in late spring to early summer. Flowers last for weeks. Plants reach 2 feet tall, half as wide. Unique in the carrot family—many flower clusters instead of a central one. Host plant for black swallowtail butterfly larvae.

Growing Conditions

Full sun to part shade. Average to moist soil. Tolerates wet soil. Excellent for native wetlands, woodland, and wild gardens.

Care and Maintenance

Sow seed in cold frame when fresh. Low maintenance. Adaptable moisture.

Common Problems

Infrequent. Generally trouble-free.

Landscape Uses

• Native wetlands and rain gardens
• Woodland and wild gardens
• Meadow gardens
• Rock gardens
• Water gardens
• Cut flowers
• Roadside and waterside plantings

Key Features

• Native to eastern U.S.
• Lemon-yellow broccoli-like umbels
• Many flower clusters (unique)
• Host for black swallowtail larvae
• Tolerates wet soil
• 2 feet tall
• Self-seeds