Golden Alexanders

Zizia Aurea

If you are looking for a plant that balances ornamental beauty with incredible ecological value, Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea) is a must-have for your garden.

This native perennial is a powerhouse for supporting local ecosystems, particularly because it blooms in late spring when many other nectar sources haven’t yet woken up.

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Why You Should Plant Golden Alexanders

• A Lifeline for Pollinators: Zizia aurea is a critical host plant for the Black Swallowtail butterfly. Much like Monarchs need milkweed, Black Swallowtail caterpillars rely on the foliage of Golden Alexanders as their primary food source. By planting it, you are essentially creating a nursery for one of North America’s most beautiful butterflies.
• Early Season Color: While many native plants wait until the heat of mid-summer to bloom, Golden Alexanders burst into bright, lacy yellow umbels in May and June. This provides a vital “bridge” of food for emerging native bees and beneficial wasps when resources are scarce.
• Adaptable and Hardy: Unlike some finicky garden plants, Zizia is remarkably easy to grow. It is deer-resistant, thrives in both full sun and partial shade, and can handle a variety of soil types—including the heavy clay often found in the Midwest.
• Year-Round Interest: Even after the flowers fade, the plant maintains lush, deep green foliage that stays attractive throughout the summer. In the fall, the leaves often take on a lovely purple or bronze hue, and the sturdy stems provide the exact kind of winter structure wildlife needs for shelter.