Description

Such a pretty plant with amazing pollinator powers! Very similar to the more familiar Z. aurea, but with simple heart shaped basal foliage, thus the common name. Upright habit with erect, reddish stems. Shiny, deep green leathery leaves. A spot of purple is often visible where the leaf of the end leaflet meets the stalk. Compound umbel, yellow flower clusters gather into a large, flat-topped flower head. Each umbel can contain from 70-300 florets that are about 1/8 inch long. Each tiny flower has 5 sepals, 5 petals, and 5 stamens. Distinguished from other carrot family members by the absence of a flower stalk on the central flower of each umbel. Dry seedheads turn purple, adding summer interest. Special value to native bees and supports beneficial insects. Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Z. aptera has a preference for drier sites, as opposed to its cousin, Z. aurea, which has a preference for wetter sites. (We sell both.) Individual plants are short lived, but golden alexander maintains a presence in the garden by re-seeding, so leave those seedheads standing! Height: 1-3 ft. Spread: 1-1.5 ft. Family: Apiaceae Bloom time: May Sun: full sun to part shade Water: medium Naturalize Deer resistant