Rain Garden Plants: Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea)

Excellent low-growing perennial that blooms for several weeks in late spring. Umbrella-shaped, golden clusters (umbels) are 3 to 4 inches wide. Shiny compound leaves are made of three to five leaflets with serrated margins. Dry seed heads turn purple. Host plant for black swallowtail butterfly caterpillar. Deer resistant.

• Height: 12 to 24 inches
• Bloom color: Yellow
• Bloom time: April to June
• Hardiness zone: 4 to 9
• Salt tolerance: Moderate
• Spreading habit: Self-seeds; can spread to create ground cover

Site Conditions

• Sun: Sun/partial shade
• Soil: Moist, sandy, sandy-clay soils
• Hydrologic zones: Wet/moist

Sources

Dyck Arboretum of the Plains.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Prepared by Jessica Chou, Jodi Sulpizio, and Constance Schmotzer.

Finalized by Jodi Sulpizio

For a printable PDF version of this article, contact Jodi Sulpizio at jrb143@psu.edu.