Zizia aptera aka Golden Alexanders

Zizia aptera belongs to the carrot family, Apiaceae. It is a perennial, which means it lives for years. Its names include heart-leaved meadow parsnip and meadow zizia. It is native from Canada into central and eastern America. It grows in woods, thickets, glades, prairies, and clearings. Plants may grow alone or in small groups. In gardens, it grows 1–3 feet [0.30–0.91 metres] tall. Its spread reaches 1–1.5 feet [0.30–0.46 metres]. It grows fast and forms upright clumps.

The green leaves near the ground have a heart shape. Their toothed edges help tell this species from similar plants. These basal leaves are simple: they do not form leaflets. Leaves grow in turn along the stems, not in pairs. Their surface has a gloss. Leaves farther up are smaller and have shorter stalks. Some upper leaves split into three parts. Purple marks may show where a leaf joins its stalk. The round stems lack hairs. They have red tones and pale green lines.

Small yellow flowers form flat groups called umbels above the leaves. Each umbel holds several smaller groups of tiny flowers. Sources give bloom times from April to June. The timing depends on where the plant grows. The five petals stay almost closed, rather than spread wide. The flower at the centre of each small group lacks a stalk. Brown, oval fruits follow the flowers in July and August. Each fruit has five ribs and a somewhat flat shape. As it ripens, it splits into two parts that hold seeds.

Grow this plant in full sun or part shade. It needs soil that drains well and has moderate moisture. It also copes with dry spells and sites that dry at times. It can grow in clay, loam, and shallow rocky ground. North Carolina State lists neutral soil as a good choice. Missouri Botanical Garden gives USDA hardiness zones 3–8. Its care needs are moderate. Grow plants from seed, or split clumps that have taken root.

This species suits native gardens, meadow plantings, and open woods. It also works in borders, pots, and gardens for cut flowers. Bees and flies seek nectar and pollen from its flowers. Black swallowtail caterpillars eat the leaves. The seed heads draw birds. Sources say it resists deer. They report no major pest or disease problems. Leaves can lose their good looks as summer goes on. Some plants may not live long. Plants For A Future lists no known edible uses or hazards. This does not mean every plant part is safe to eat.