Rain Garden Plants: Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea)

Excellent low-growing perennial that blooms for several weeks in late spring. Golden clusters of 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.

Height: 12 to 24 inches
Bloom color: Yellow
Bloom time: April to June
Hardiness zone: 4 to 9
Salt tolerance: N/A
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.