Meadow zizia, Golden alexanders
Zizia aptera

Family: Apiaceae

What it is like

Zizia aptera is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Moist to dry black soil prairies, hill prairies, rocky upland woodlands, limestone glades, bluffs, abandoned fields, and roadsides. Usually, this species occurs in drier locations than Zizia aurea (Golden Alexanders).

Native Range: North America.

Conservation Status: Not Listed.

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

The presence of secondary compounds such as apterin may contribute to the potential medicinal value of Zizia species. Zizia aurea roots have been used by Native Americans as a tea to cure fevers, and the plant has been referred to as a vulnerary (wound-healing) agent.

Other

Rating: 2

Nectary: provides nectar or pollen for beneficial insects. The flowers attract butterflies and seed heads attract birds. Various kinds of insects visit the flowers primarily for nectar, especially small bees (Halictid, Andrenid, Nomadine) and flies (Chloropid, Tachinid, Muscid, Syrphid, etc.), as well as occasional beetles and plant bugs. The bees collect pollen as well, while some flies and beetles may feed on pollen. The caterpillars of Papilio polyxenes asterias (Black Swallowtail butterfly) feed on the foliage of this and other members of the Carrot family. Suitable for the wild garden and other informal plantings as well as collections of native wild flowers. Cut Flower. Water Purifier: Used in raingarden plantings.

How it is grown

An upright short-lived tap-rooted perennial wildflower in the Carrot (Apiaceae) family. Prefers sun or part sun with moist or dry soil. Plants tolerate clay loam, rocky or gravelly soil, alkaline pH and controlled burns. Drought Tolerant. Bloom Time: May to July. Bloom Description: Showy, Yellow. For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is a clumper with limited spread. The root pattern is fibrous dividing into a large number of fine roots.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but it is probably best sown in spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

None Known. There is a report that the root of related Zizia aurea might be toxic.

Its other names

Local names

Meadow zizia, golden alexanders, heart leaved golden alexanders, prairie golden alexanders.

Synonyms

Thaspium trifoliatum var. apterum A. Gray. Z. aptera var. aptera