Sun Exposure: Sun, Part Sun, Shade
Soil Moisture: Medium-Wet, Medium, Medium-Dry
Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay
Height: 2 - 3 feet
Spread: 1 - 2 feet
Blooms: May, June
Root: Fibrous
Habitat: Prairies, Savannas, Woodland borders and paths, Limesteon glades
Landscape uses: Pollinator gardens, Meadow Planting, Garden Border
Complimentary Plants: Wild Columbine, Ohio Spiderwort, Blue Wild Indigo, Virginia Bluebells, Wild Geranium
Wildlife Value: The flowers are attractive to many kinds of insects seeking pollen or nectar, especially short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, and beetles. Host Plant: Black Swallowtail
Seed Source: Coldwater, ON (Wildlflower Farm seed supplier)
Germination Code: C(60), F
Photo credits: #1/2 by Sundaura Alford-Purvis
Zizia aurea - Golden Alexander
Golden Alexander is a lovely plant for a pollinator garden - it is the host plant for the Black Swallowtail Butterfly! It also provides accessible nectar to many beneficial insects with short mouthparts during the spring and early summer when such flowers are relatively uncommon. A member of the carrot family, Zizia aurea has blooms that last a long time and give the garden some early colour. This plant will tolerate shade, but thrives in sun.