Rain Garden Plants: Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea)

Excellent low-growing perennial that blooms for several weeks in late spring. Golden clusters of umbels are 3 to 4 inches wide. Shiny compound leaves are made of three to five leaflets with serrated margins. Dry seed heads turn purple. Host plant for black swallowtail butterfly caterpillar.

Height: 12 to 24 inches
Bloom color: Yellow
Bloom time: April to June
Hardiness zone: 4 to 9
Salt tolerance: N/A
Spreading habit: Self-seeds; can spread to create ground cover

Ruth Benner, Penn State Extension

Jodi Sulpizio, Penn State Extension

Site Conditions

Sun: Sun/partial shade
Soil: Moist, sandy, sandy-clay soils
Hydrologic zones: Wet/moist

Jodi Sulpizio, Penn State Extension

Jodi Sulpizio, Penn State Extension

Sources

Dyck Arboretum of the Plains.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Prepared by Jessica Chou, Jodi Sulpizio, and Constance Schmotzer.