Alexanders, Golden (Zizia aurea)

Golden Alexanders is a cheerful, spring-blooming perennial native to much of eastern and central North America. It produces bright clusters of yellow, umbrella-like flowers atop smooth green stems, providing early-season color and a vital nectar source when few other plants are in bloom. The blossoms attract native bees, beneficial wasps, small butterflies, and especially swallowtail caterpillars, which rely on Zizia species as host plants.

Valued in restoration work and native plant gardening, Golden Alexanders is adaptable and ecologically important. It thrives in meadows, woodland edges, and moist prairies, and its deepening root system helps improve soil structure over time. Its appeal extends beyond spring: the golden flowers give way to deep purple seed heads in summer, while lush foliage turns shades of orange and red in fall, offering year-round visual interest in the garden.