How to identify Meadow alexanders (Zizia trifoliata)
Meadow alexanders displays a herbaceous profile with a distinctive trifoliate leaf arrangement, each leaflet being broad and ovate. This perennial usually blossoms in the spring to early summer, showcasing small, vibrant yellow flowers clustered in compact umbels. Flower heads are supported by slender stems, which can reach a height of up to 3 feet (about 90 cm). The plant prefers dappled sunlight and thrives in well-drained, fertile loam, typically under the canopy of deciduous trees.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Herb
Trifoliate leaf arrangement with broad ovate leaflets.
Small bright yellow flowers in compact umbels.
Splitting schizocarp fruit with winged edges for wind dispersal.
Distinctive leaf with large teeth and reticulate vein pattern.
Flowers with star-like petal arrangement emitting mild fragrance.
Meadow alexanders exhibits both basal and stem leaves, intricately divided into smaller leaflets. Each leaf has notable strong and large teeth, though only a few adorn the margin. The leaflets typically measure up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) in length. They possess a vibrant green color with a slightly glossy surface. The leaf texture is smooth, and the vein pattern is prominently reticulate. These distinct features make the leaves a key characteristic for identifying meadow alexanders.
Meadow alexanders boasts delicate, umbrella-like clusters of small, bright yellow flowers, each roughly 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) in diameter. The blooms feature five rounded petals that form a star-like pattern around a central disc, creating an appealing contrast. Arranged in compound umbles, these clusters can be up to 2 inches (5 cm) across. The flowers emit a mild, sweet fragrance, enhancing their allure. Meadow alexanders flowers peak in blooming from April to May, adding vibrant color to spring landscapes.
The fruit of meadow alexanders is a schizocarp, which upon maturity, splits into two mericarps. Each mericarp is typically 0.12 inches (about 3 mm) long, with a ribbed surface and a subtle, tan to brown coloration. These dry fruits bear flat, winged margins, which aid in wind dispersal. The distinctive splitting action of the schizocarp and the winged edges are key identifiers. The fruit becomes prominent after the flowering period, which lasts from July to August.
Scan QR code to download
Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.
The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.
The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.
The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.
The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.
Identify a Plant Online
Scientific Classification of Meadow alexanders
