Golden Alexanders or Zizia aurea is one of those natives in Tennessee that every garden should grow. It is fairly easy to grow and, although short-lived, will self-seed and persist in many sun/soil situations. Zizia is an important plant to a number of short-tongued insects that are able to easily reach the nectar in the small yellow flowers. Black Swallowtail and Ozark Swallowtails caterpillars will feed on its leaves. Golden Alexanders have a long bloom time, giving the garden/prairie some well-deserved early color for several weeks in late spring to early summer when many other plants have not yet flowered. All of these important perennial native plants should not be confused with the similar-looking Wild Parsnip which a highly invasive Eurasian biennial commonly found on roadsides and other disturbed sites. Wild Parsnip is taller than the aforementioned natives, blooms later and can cause painful skin burns. Care Alexanders thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. They're adaptable to various soil types Moist, well-drained soil is best, but this very adaptable plant will tolerated both wet conditions and dry conditions, as long as there is plenty of moisture early in the growing season.. Hardy to zones 3 to 9. Very low-maintenance, Zizia aurea blooms along with Blue False Indigo, Columbine, and combines well with Fox Sedge in the sun. Growth Habit Golden Alexander is a short-lived perennial with branching, erect, reddish stems. Separate clusters of tiny, yellow flowers gather into a large, flat-topped flower head. The plant is 1-3 ft. tall. Toxicity Generally considered safe for dogs and cats. Deer & rabbit resistant.
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