Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea)

Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea)

Golden Alexander kicks off spring with clusters of bright yellow flowers that show up just as temperatures start to rise and pollinators begin to emerge from hibernation. It’s one of the first prairie natives to bloom, and blooms for an extended period of time, making it a key player in jump starting your garden each year. It bridges the gap between woodland blooms and sunnier prairies, fitting comfortably in either setting and providing early season color. 

Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Medium to moist; handles clay, loam, or sandy soils
Height: 1.5–3 feet
Spread: 1–2 feet
Zones: 3–8
Bloom time: April through June

Wildlife Value
Golden Alexander is a host plant for Black Swallowtail butterfly caterpillars (Papilio polyxenes). Its flowers provide reliable nectar for native bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects during early spring.

Blooms Alongside: Ohio spiderwort, lupine, hairy penstemon