Golden alexanders (Zizia aurea)

Golden alexanders

Also known as: Golden zizia

Golden alexanders (Zizia aurea) flourishes in small colonies in damp meadows and woods. It's a plant that the larvae of the woodland swallowtail butterfly love to dine on. The genus name of "Zizia" is in honor of Johann Ziz, a German botanist.

Scientific classification

Species

Golden alexanders (Zizia aurea)

Carrots, ivies and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

45 cm to 60 cm

Spread

Green, Purple

Leaf Color

10 cm

Flower Size

Green, Purple, Lavender

Fruit Color

Yellow

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Golden alexanders

Culture

Garden Use

When you grow golden alexanders in your garden, you can be sure that bees and butterflies will flock to this plant in the springtime. This plant's characteristic golden flowers also provide plenty of ornamentation in the spring. It grows quickly and spreads well, making it a great choice as a ground cover or a border plant in informal or pollinator gardens.

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Quickly Identify Golden alexanders

Flat-topped clusters of bright yellow flowers with 5 petals and 5 stamens.

Basal and cauline compound leaves up to 6 inches (15 cm) wide, with toothed margins.

Fruit transitions from green to light purple, oblong capsules 3-4 mm long post-flowering.

Lanceolate or ovate leaves up to 3.1 inches (8 cm) long, turning light purple in autumn.

Hardy perennial reaching 1-3 feet (30-90 cm), adaptable to various light conditions.

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Care Guide for Golden alexanders

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Golden alexanders thrives in moist environments and requires weekly watering for optimal health. As a deciduous plant, it sheds leaves during the dormant season to conserve water and energy for growth, reflecting its adaptation to regions with frequent rainfall.

Fertilize: Fertilize golden alexanders sparingly with balanced fertilizers during the growing season, using a quarter strength solution every 4-6 weeks and reducing in winter. Caution against over-fertilization to prevent damage, and adjust as golden alexanders matures. Regular fertilization enhances vigor and flowering potential.

Pruning: Golden alexanders features vibrant golden-yellow umbels and benefits from annual pruning in early to late spring. This practice removes dead stems, boosts air circulation, encourages blooming, improves aesthetics, and helps deter disease and pests for healthier growth.

Propagation: Golden alexanders propagates best by sowing seeds in Spring. Germination and fresh sprouts indicate success. For optimal results, maintain proper soil moisture and warmth.

Repotting: Golden alexanders is an upright, herbaceous perennial needing repotting every 2-3 years, ideally in early spring. Use a suitably sized pot for stable root development. Post-repotting, place golden alexanders in a well-lit area and maintain consistent soil moisture for optimal recovery and blooms.

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