Zizia aptera – Heartleaf Golden Alexander (BTF.H.NB.OP)

Ecosystem Services:
(B)-Birds                                             (B&B)-Birds & Butterflies
(BTF)-Butterflies                             (BW)-Black Walnut Resistant
(DR)-Deer Resistant                      (DRGHT)-Drought Resistant
(EC)-Erosion Control                    (EVR)-Evergreen
(FC)-Fall Color                                 (FRG)-Fragrant
(GRD)-Groundcover                      (H)-Host plant
(HMR)-Hummingbirds                (M)-Mammals
(MTH)-Moths                                   (N)-Nectar
(NB)-Native Bees                            (NST)-Nesting Material
(OP)-Other pollinators                 (RR)-Rabbit Resistant
(SHWY)-Showy                                (SPC)-Specimen Plant

Heart-leaf Golden-Alexanders is a herbaceous perennial found in moist woodland areas, thickets, glades, prairies, and clearings. It can grow singly or in small colonies/clumps. It will grow in sun, part shade, and shade.

A typical plant can have two or more clusters of flowers. These flat-topped clusters bloom in late spring to early summer on the upper stems.  These umbels (a flower cluster with stalks of equal length that form a common center) are 2 to 3″ across and contain 7 to 15 umbellets. The umbellets each have 10 to 20 flowers. Each tiny flower has 5 petals that remain nearly closed. The tiny flowers are a mere 1/8 inch across. It is distinguished from Zizia Aurea by its heart shaped leaves.

Bees, pollinating flies, butterflies, beetles, and other plant insects seek the nectar and pollen from this plant’s flowers.

Host plant: For the black swallowtail butterfly.