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Golden Alexanders
Zizia aurea
PerennialGolden Alexanders
Zizia aurea
Tap to flip backGrowing Conditions
Light
Sun – Part Shade
Water
Medium
Soil
Any
Size
1-3'
Bloom
Yellow, Apr–Jun
Why Grow It
Caterpillar Host
Feeds caterpillars of native moths & butterflies
Early Bloomer
Blooms early, providing critical spring nectar
Self-Seeding
Returns each year from dropped seeds
Did You Know?
Golden Alexanders is a host plant for Black Swallowtail butterfly caterpillars — the same species that feeds on parsley and dill in your herb garden.
It is one of very few native plants in the carrot family (Apiaceae), offering a safe native alternative to invasive look-alikes like Wild Parsnip.
The central flower in each tiny cluster is stalkless (sessile), which distinguishes it from the similar-looking Meadow Parsnip (Thaspium).
Wildlife Value
🦋
Black Swallowtail Butterfly
Larval host; caterpillars feed on foliage and flowers
🐝
Mining Bees & Flies
Flat flower clusters attract early-season pollinators
🐦
Songbirds
Forage for insects attracted to spring blooms
Good Companions
🌿 Mad Dog Skullcap
💙 Blue Lobelia
🌸 Wild Geranium
🌼 Zigzag Goldenrod
Planting Guide
- Plant in part shade to full sun in moist soil.
- Space 12-18 inches apart; blooms early May to June.
- Self-sows gently; remove spent heads to control spread.
Plant Details
Made with ♥ by Lu Li