Golden Alexanders
| Also known as: | Golden Zizia |
|---|---|
| Scientific name: | Zizia aurea |
| Family: | Carrot (Apiaceae) |
| Life cycle: | perennial |
| Origin: | native |
| Habitat: | sun to shade; moist fields, thickets, rich open woods, along streams |
| Bloom season: | late spring, early summer |
| Plant height: | 1 to 3 feet |
| USDA PLANTS database: | Minnesota county distribution map |
| Spotted in Ramsey County at: |
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Detailed Information
- Flower:
![[photo of flowers]](/udata/r9ndp23q/yellow/golden-alexanders-100_5629-t.jpg)
Flowers are in flat-topped clusters 2 to 3 inches across, in 10 to 18 groups (umbels) of about 20 flowers each. Individual flowers are about 1/8 inch across with 5 yellow petals that fold inward and 5 yellow stamen. One plant may have several clusters.
- Leaves:
![[photo of leaves]](/udata/r9ndp23q/yellow/golden-alexanders-100_5642-t.jpg)
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 leaflet at the end of a stem is largest. Leaflet shape varies and may be oval, egg shaped, irregular, lobed or divided into 2 or 3 parts.
- Notes:
- Golden Alexanders often grow in colonies.
![[photo of flowers]](/udata/r9ndp23q/yellow/golden-alexanders-100_5629.jpg)
![[photo of leaves]](/udata/r9ndp23q/yellow/golden-alexanders-100_5642.jpg)
More photos
a young plant, about 18 inches tall
a group of Golden Alexander plants More yellow wildflowers. Photos taken at Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN May 2007
Comments
Have you seen this plant in Ramsey County, or have any other comments about it?
on: 2008-06-09 23:52:04
I also saw this wildflower today (and took a picture of it) in Stearns County by the Mississippi River.