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Zizia aptera - (A. Gray) Fernald

Common Name Meadow zizia, Golden alexanders
Family Apiaceae
USDA hardiness 4-8
Known Hazards None Known. There is a report that the root of related Zizia aurea might be toxic[222].
Habitats Moist to dry black soil prairies, hill prairies, rocky upland woodlands, limestone glades, bluffs, abandoned fields, and roadsides. Usually, this species occurs in drier locations than Zizia aurea (Golden Alexanders) [1-6].
Range Native Range: North America.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Zizia aptera Meadow zizia, Golden alexanders


Chelsea Monks, Black Hills National Forest wikimedia.org
Zizia aptera Meadow zizia, Golden alexanders
botanicalimage.com

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Zizia aptera is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. The flowers are pollinated by Insects.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Thaspium trifoliatum var. apterum A. Gray. Z. aptera var. aptera

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

None Known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


The presence of secondary compounds such as apterin may contribute to the potential medicinal value of Zizia species. Zizia aurea roots have been used by Native Americans as a tea to cure fevers, and the plant has been referred to as a vulnerary (wound-healing) agent [318-1].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Nectary: provides nectar or pollen for beneficial insects [1-2]. The flowers attract butterflies and seed heads attract birds. Various kinds of insects visit the flowers primarily for nectar, especially small bees (Halictid, Andrenid, Nomadine) and flies (Chloropid, Tachinid, Muscid, Syrphid, etc.), as well as occasional beetles and plant bugs. The bees collect pollen as well, while some flies and beetles may feed on pollen. The caterpillars of Papilio polyxenes asterias (Black Swallowtail butterfly) feed on the foliage of this and other members of the Carrot family [1-6]. Suitable for the wild garden and other informal plantings as well as collections of native wild flowers[200]. Cut Flower. Water Purifier: Used in raingarden plantings [318-1].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

An upright short-lived tap-rooted perennial wildflower in the Carrot (Apiaceae) family. Prefers sun or part sun with moist or dry soil. Plants tolerate clay loam, rocky or gravelly soil, alkaline pH and controlled burns. Drought Tolerant. Bloom Time: May to July. Bloom Description: Showy, Yellow. For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is a clumper with limited spread [1-2]. The root pattern is fibrous dividing into a large number of fine roots [1-2].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

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Plant Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but it is probably best sown in spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Meadow zizia, golden alexanders, heart leaved golden alexanders, prairie golden alexanders.

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Yukon (southwest), Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia), United States (Indiana (southeast), Michigan (Kent Co.), New Jersey, New York, Ohio (south), Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Connecticut, Iowa, Kansas (southeast), Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Illinois (north & southeast), Oklahoma (northeast), Wisconsin, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon (northwest), Washington (east), Wyoming, Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Nevada (northwest), Utah (north))

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

None Known

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Not Listed.

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Zizia aureaGolden Alexanders, Golden ziziaPerennial0.8 3-7  LMHNM21 

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Author

(A. Gray) Fernald

Botanical References

Links / References

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