Flower:

Flowers are in flat-topped clusters (umbels) 2 to 3 inches across, in 10 to 18 groups (umbellets) of up to 20 flowers each. Individual flowers are about 1/8 inch across with 5 yellow petals that fold inward and 5 yellow stamens. One plant may have several clusters.

Leaves:

Leaves are 2 or 3 times compound in groups of 3. Leaflets are to 3 inches long and 2 inches wide, with sharply toothed edges and pointed tips. The end leaflet is largest and usually tapers to a narrow base, though leaflet shape varies and may be oval, egg shaped, irregular, lobed or divided into 2 or 3 parts.

Fruit:

Fruit is 2-sectioned, oval, slightly flattened, ridged, eventually splitting into 2 seeds.

Seeds are oblong, 1/8 to 1/6 inch long, ripen to dark brown.

Notes:

Golden Alexanders often grow in colonies. In late spring and early summer it is a common sight across Minnesota in open prairies, woodland edges, and roadsides with adequate moisture. Similar species is Heart-leaved Alexanders (Zizia aptera), which has long-stalked, undivided, heart-shaped lower leaves, where Golden Alexanders has all compound leaves. Also similar is Yellow Pimpernel (Taenidia integerrima), which has rather airier clusters and toothless leaflets.