Zizia aurea 
(Golden Alexander, Golden Zizia)

Comments:  Zizia aurea or Golden Alexander or Golden Zizia is a perennial herbaceous plant with an upright,  branching, dense, coarse fibrous growth habit.  It is a native of United States and belongs to the carrot family.  In mid-Spring, Zizia aurea produces umbels of yellow blossoms, followed later by flat, seedheads with longitudinal ridges.  The seedheads turn purple adding colors to the Summer landscape.  Butterflies and bumble bees are magnetized by the nectar-rich flowers.  It is a host plant for the Black Swallowtail butterflies.  Golden Zizia has red stems and smooth, alternate, compound green trifoliate foliage with finely serrated margin.  It self pollinates and is short-lived.  Zizia aurea is easily propagated from plant divisions or seeds sown in Fall.  It thrives best in well-drained moist, loamy, gravelly soil in a sunny to part shade environment.  Golden Zizia spreads by means of fibrous roots and is low maintenance.  Use Golden Alexander in front borders or beds. In its native habitat, Zizia aurea is commonly found growing in moist open prairies, along streams and woodlands.  This herbal plant is a valuable medicinal plant for the native Americans. Herbal tea made from the leaves and flowers treats female problems while the roots have hypnotic and anti-pyretic properties and heals wounds and treats severe pain.  The flowerheads are edible and add colors to salads and eaten like a broccoli.   

Interestingly, Zizea is named after Johann Baptist Ziz, a German botanist. 

Image of butterfly and bee attractor, Zizia aurea or Golden Alexander or Golden Zizia

Image shows lovely golden blooms of Zizia aurea

Inquiries:  jen@jennysgarden.com