Overview

Zizea aurea is a perennial herb in the genus Zizia, part of the Apiaceae family. Zizea aurea grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Suggested uses include wildlife garden, naturalizing and pollinator garden. It is native to Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec.

About

Zizea aurea is a flowering member of the parsley family Apiaceae, commonly traded as Golden Alexanders. Its principal display occurs from May to July. The common name signals the warm, golden appearance associated with the flowers. It sits in the genus Zizia and is used to provide a late-spring to midsummer floral presence.

About the genus

Zizia is a genus of flowering plants in the parsley family, Apiaceae. It was named after Johann Baptist Ziz (1779–1829), a German botanist from the Rhineland. It is native to North America.

Wikipedia contributors, "Zizia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Zizia

In the garden

Zizea aurea sits in the Apiaceae family under the genus Zizia and is commonly known as Golden Alexanders. Its main flowering window is May to July, making that period the best time to assess its contribution to a planting scheme. The common name reflects the characteristic golden quality of the flowers that open in late spring and continue into early summer. Use the plant where a concentrated burst of late-spring colour is required; it pairs well with longer-flowering perennials and taller structural plants to bridge seasons. Leaves and growth habit vary across the genus, so sourcing a supplier description will help match the selected plant to the specific position in a border or naturalised area. Observe the plant during its May–July bloom to judge spacing and companions for future seasons. For maintenance, monitor the bloom period and make successive planting choices that complement that May–July window rather than overlap it entirely. When planning a scheme, place Zizea aurea where its seasonal display will be visible during those months, as that concentrated bloom period is the plant’s most reliably distinctive feature.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Zizia

Sunlight

full sun, partial shade

Soil type

loamy, sandy, well-drained

Soil pH

neutral, slightly acidic

Soil moisture

moist, well-drained

Plant details

Zizea aurea size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial herb

Suggested uses

wildlife garden, naturalizing, pollinator garden

Native to

Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Zizea aurea

Cultivation

Prefers moist, well-drained soils; tolerates partial shade; avoid dry conditions

Pruning

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming

Propagation

seed, division

Frequently asked questions