Zizia aurea (golden alexander)

Golden Alexanders is an easy perennial forming colonies in woods and meadows. Flat-topped clusters of tiny yellow flowers top 3' stems in May and June. Dry seedheads turn purple, adding summer interest. Plant in full sun to part shade. Short-lived but will self-seed. Moderately deer resistant. 

Golden Alexanders is native to eastern Canada and the United States, but it is on the Maryland state watch list. This plant is most often found in moist mixed deciduous forests and in floodplains with rich, loamy soils. Attracts butterflies, native bees, and insects that prey on insect pests. Dozens of bee species, flies, wasps, butterflies and other insects visit the flowers for nectar. Larval host to the black swallowtail. 

BONAP Native Range Map (bright green indicates county native, dark green indicates state native)  

Photo by Kathy Thornton

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