Golden Alexanders Zizia aurea
Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Apiaceae family, native to Moist prairies, meadows and open woods of eastern North America. It grows 30–80 cm (12–31 in) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -38 °C (-36 °F). Space plants about 35 cm (14 in) apart.
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Golden Alexanders at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Mature height | 30–80 cm (12–31 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 35 cm (14 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -38 °C (-36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Moist prairies, meadows and open woods of eastern North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada |
Is Golden Alexanders toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: all parts
Not well studied; some carrot-family relatives are deadly, so never eat wild umbellifers.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Golden Alexanders
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Golden Alexanders
- How far apart should I plant Golden Alexanders?
- About 35 cm (14 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Golden Alexanders need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Golden Alexanders need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Golden Alexanders?
- It tolerates about -38 °C (-36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Golden Alexanders flower?
- From about May for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Golden Alexanders poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Not well studied; some carrot-family relatives are deadly, so never eat wild umbellifers.
- What grows well with Golden Alexanders?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Golden Alexanders. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Xerces Society pollinator conservation resources (regional plant lists and habitat guides), The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation
Notes and assumptions
- Flat heads of tiny bright yellow flowers in late spring, one of the earliest prairie flowers for short-tongued bees, and a host plant for black swallowtail caterpillars. Tolerates light shade and wet soil.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Carrot Daucus carota subsp. sativus
- Parsley Petroselinum crispum
- Celery Apium graveolens
- Coriander (cilantro) Coriandrum sativum
- Dill Anethum graveolens
- Parsnip Pastinaca sativa
- Celeriac Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
- Florence fennel Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum