Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea)
Want to see more Swallowtails and other butterflies in your garden and the world? Plant drifts of their host plant, Zizia aurea (Golden Alexander)!
Why? Golden Alexander’s yellow platforms are easy to access the nectar and make a fine ‘rest stop’.
Plant profile
Full Sunshine to partial shade
Prefers medium to moist sandy soils.
Grows up to 2’ tall.
Friends in the garden: Foxglove Penstemon and Cardinal Flower
Golden Alexander blooms are platforms for many pollinators. 4” flower clusters of tiny yellow flowers make perfect spots for pollinators to bask in the sunshine from May to August.
A self-seeding perennial, Zizia aurea has lush deep green foliage that changes to bright reds and oranges in Autumn. Tip: Plant Golden Alexander with Wild Bergamot, Common Yarrow and New York Asters to feed pollinators from Spring thru late Fall. Leave stalks & leaves on the plants in Autumn for overwintering insects Prune in June to 8” high so pollinators have places to call home during Summer
Golden Alexander blooms brilliant yellow blooms that are flat 4” flower clusters of tiny yellow flowers basking in the sunshine from May to August.
A self-seeding perennial, Zizia aurea has lush deep green foliage that changes to bright reds and oranges in Autumn.
