Heart Leaved Golden Alexanders

Scientific name

Zizia aptera

Description

Heart Leaved Golden Alexanders is a perennial wildflower species that can grows up to 1 m in height. This plant may also be known by the common names: Meadow Zizia or Heart Leaved Meadow Parsnip. The leaves are green, have finely toothed margins, have purple spots between the leave and the petioles. The basal leaves are broadly heart shaped and have rounded tips. The stem leaves are divided into three lobes and are narrow lance shaped. The flowers are small, bright yellow, have five petals, are folded inward, appear in flat topped umbel clusters, and bloom between May and June. The flowers are attractive to pollinator species, like bees and butterflies. This wildflower can grow well on steep slopes. This species should not be confused with the invasive Eurasian Wild Parsnip, which has a much different leaf.

Planting conditions

Heart Leaved Golden Alexanders grows best in moist to dry condition with full or partial sun exposure. It prefers well-drained sandy or rocky soil but can grow well in a variety of soil types, including clay. It is tolerant of drought due to its deep taproot but young plants should be watered occasionally until established. It is tolerant of alkaline pH levels. This wildflower can be naturally found in meadows, prairies, open forests, rocky slopes, and sandy hills.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 1.5m
  • Max 2m
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Dry
  • Normal
  • Moist
  • Drought Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Wildflower
• Eco Zone:
  • 2b
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
• Plant type:
  • Wildflower
• Height:
  • 1 m
• Spread:
  • 0.5 m