Zizia aurea, commonly known as Golden Alexander, is a native perennial found in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade.
This plant features compound leaves with toothed leaflets and bright yellow, umbrella-like clusters of flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. Golden Alexander attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens. After flowering, the plant produces small, ribbed seed pods.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Zizia aurea is an excellent choice for wildflower gardens, prairie restorations, or naturalized landscapes, offering seasonal color, ecological benefits, and support for pollinators.
Zizia aurea, commonly known as Golden Alexander, is a native perennial found in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade.
This plant features compound leaves with toothed leaflets and bright yellow, umbrella-like clusters of flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. Golden Alexander attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens. After flowering, the plant produces small, ribbed seed pods.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Zizia aurea is an excellent choice for wildflower gardens, prairie restorations, or naturalized landscapes, offering seasonal color, ecological benefits, and support for pollinators.
Bloom time: late spring to early summer
Habitats: abandoned fields; areas along woodland paths; limestone glades; moist black soil prairies; openings in moist to mesic wetlands; powerline clearances in wooded areas; savannas; thickets; thinly wooded bluffs
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist
Plant type (height): forb (up to 2.5 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun (light shade under trees is tolerated)
Soil: loamy; some rocky material
