Heartleaf Golden-Alexander (Zizia aptera)Carrot Family Heartleaf Golden-Alexander is an early blooming native that supports a large diversity of pollinators. Its bright yellow flowers appear in flat-topped clusters, each made up of many tiny blossoms that provide an early-season nectar and pollen source. This low-growing plant typically reaches 1–2 feet in height and forms small colonies over time. Like its close relative Zizia aurea, it serves as a host plant for the black swallowtail caterpillar, which may appear in large numbers and temporarily defoliate plants without causing lasting harm. This species is distinguished by its heart-shaped leaves and preference for shadier conditions and moist woodland soils, unlike Zizia aurea, which more commonly thrives in sunny meadow conditions. Blooms: Yellow, 4-6 weeks, March-AprilLeaves: Dark green, heart-shaped leaves, 2-3"Height: 1-3’Space: 2'Soil: Average-Dry-MoistExposure: Full sun-Part sun-Part shadeFauna: Short-tongue bees, wasps, flies, beetles, host to black swallowtail butterflySeeds: Oblong green capsules turn purplish-brown in fallDeer Resistance: ModerateZone: 3-8Native Status: NC native, common in the Piedmont and Mountains, uncommon in the Coastal PlainProvenance: varies, available upon request, seed grown
