Zizia aptera

(Golden Alexander)

Zizia aptera is a little yellow flower that looks a lot like small, yellow Queen Anne's Lace. Golden Alexander has wonderful heart-shaped leaves. This one definately needs a front row seat, as it grows barely two feet tall. Along with Goldenrod, Alexander will spash your purples, blue and reds with gold. This wildflower ushers in spring, blooming bright and early in May and all through June. Zizia aptera does best in sunlight, but light shade is alright. Planting Golden Alexander in your garden would do us all a favor. You see, it's endangered in parts of the country. This wildflower attracts the wonderful woodland swallowtail butterfly. Golden Alexander was also used for medicinal purposes, treating wounds, headaches and fever. Like any other native wildflower.