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Summary

Physical Characteristics

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

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

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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 Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

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 itâ€™s worth checking.

None Known

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Not Listed.

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Zizia aurea	Golden Alexanders, Golden zizia	Perennial	0.8	3-7		LMH	N	M	2	1

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.

Zizia aptera - (A. Gray) Fernald