Golden Alexanders

Golden Alexanders
Zizia aurea

A cheerful native wildflower that produces clusters of bright golden-yellow flowers in mid to late spring. The flat-topped blooms resemble small bursts of sunshine and provide one of the earliest nectar sources for pollinators. Deep green foliage forms attractive clumps that blend well into meadows, woodland edges, and rain gardens.

Golden Alexanders is a hardy and adaptable species commonly found in moist prairies, open woodlands, stream edges, and low meadows. Its early bloom time makes it especially valuable for supporting pollinators emerging in spring.

Growing Conditions

• Height: 1–3 ft
• Spread: Clumping, slowly expanding
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Medium to moist soils; tolerates clay, loam, and sandy soils
• Hardiness: Zone 3–8
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Tolerates seasonal moisture and occasional drought once established
• Deer resistant

Ideal for meadows, rain gardens, woodland edges, and pollinator plantings. Adds bright early-season color and supports biodiversity in native landscapes.

Ecological Value

• One of the earliest nectar sources for native bees and pollinators
• Supports beneficial insects and predatory wasps
• Adds seasonal color and diversity to native plant communities
• Contributes to healthy meadow and woodland edge ecosystems

Larval Host Plant For

• Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)

Companion Species

• Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
• Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
• Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor)
• Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
• Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoidea)
• Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
• Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

Planting to Protect
Restoring to Thrive
Origin Native Plants

3.5 inch Pots

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