Golden Alexanders
Zizia aurea
Host plant for MO woodland swallowtail butterfly; long bloom time; a favorite of the ziziae bee (Andrena ziziae)
$3.00 – $68.00
For quantity discount pricing, request a quote.
Description
Zizia aurea, commonly called Golden Alexanders, is a native perennial forb (wildflower) which often occurs in small colonies in moist woods and meadows, thickets, glades and prairies.
Wildlife notes
The flowers are attractive to many kinds of insects seeking pollen or nectar, especially short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, and beetles. Among the short-tongued bees are such visitors as Green Metallic bees, Masked bees, and Andrenid bees. Wasp visitors include Eumenine wasps, spider wasps, Ichneumonid wasps, and Crabronine wasps. Caterpillars of the butterflies feed on the leaves and flowers.
Forage notes
No information currently available. Please let us know if you have personal experience with this plant.
Landscaping notes
Golden Alexanders prefers full to partial sun, although light shade under trees is tolerated. The soil should be moist and loamy and can contain some rocky material. Best mass planted in open woodland or prairie areas, wild or native plant gardens. Golden Alexanders is an excellent addition to a wildflower garden because it provides accessible nectar to many beneficial insects with short mouthparts during the spring and early summer when such flowers are relatively uncommon.
Showy blooms make good cut flowers.
Restoration notes
Habitats include moist black soil prairies, openings in moist to mesic woodlands, areas along woodland paths, savannas, thickets, limestone glades, thinly wooded bluffs, powerline clearances in wooded areas, and abandoned fields. Golden Alexanders occurs in both degraded and higher quality habitats. It adapts readily to habitat restorations.
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Additional information
| Weight | N/A |
|---|---|
| Unit | Packet, Ounce, Pound |
| Light | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Seeding Rate | 8 bulk lbs/acre |
| Soils | Average |
| Height | 18"-24" |
| Bloom Month | May, Jun |
| Color | Gold, Yellow |
| Specialty Uses | Medicinal |
| # seeds/pkt | 200 |
| Packet coverage area | 5 sq ft. |
