Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Heartleaf Golden Alexanders

Zizia aptera
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Prairie, Savanna / Woodland
Season of Interest:
Main Color: Yellow
Fall Color:

USDA PLANTS Range Map

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Yellow flowers and green foliage of Zizia aptera
Photo: Mervin Wallace
Sun Exposure 
Full Sun
Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate
Nature Attracting
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Host
Animal
Resistance
Size

Height:

12 to
18
inches

Spread:

12 to
16
inches
Size
Height: 12 to
18
inches
Spread: 12 to
16
inches
Size
Height: 12 to
18
inches
Spread: 12 to
16
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Use in perennial gardens, native gardens, butterfly gardens and woodlands.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grow in full sun to partial shade in dry to average soil.
Special Features
Special Usage
Dried Flower, Fresh Cut Flower, Salt Tolerant
Basic Description

The thick, glossy semi-evergreen foliage looks a little like Lenten Rose and provides nice contrast to other native plants. Small yellow flowers in flat heads bloom April-June. The flowers are nice for fresh or dried arrangements. This member of the carrot family is attractive for its foliage and yellow flowers lasting six weeks, which are followed by ornate seed clusters. A shorter relative of the taller golden alexanders (Zizia aurea).Part of our Pollinator Buffet plant tag series. Digger bees are solitary and dig nests in spring to raise young. Used by many small bees and flies. This is the host plant for black and Missouri woodlands swallowtail.

Where Should I Start?

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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?

Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.

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