Zizia aptera
Zizia aptera heartleaf alexanders
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A member of the carrot family, heartleaf golden-alexanders can grow up to 3' in height and appears in small colonies in woods, wooded slope, thickets and glades.
The tiny yellow flowers which bloom in late spring to early summer, emerge from flat topped clusters on the tip of the stems. Each plant normally has two or more clusters of flowers. The clusters are 2” to 3” across and contain 7 to 15 umbellets which contain 10 to 20 flowers. The flowers themselves each have 5 petals that remain nearly closed and measure ⅛ inch across. A feature that distinguishes Zizia species from other member of the carrot family, is the absence of a flower stalk on the central flower of each cluster.
The upper leaves of this herbaceous plant are tripartite, each divided into three ovate to lanceolate leaflets that grow along the stems and bear small tooth‑like projections along the margins. One of the key identifiers of this plant are the heart-shaped leaves at the base.
Zizia aptera flowers provides nectar to bees, flies, butterflies, beetles and other insects that can easily access the flower. Black swallowtail butterfly caterpillars are known to feed on its leaves.
Habitat & Range
Grows in woods, wooded slopes and along roadsides. Prefers full sun to part shade and medium-moisture, well-drained soils.
Present throughout the state.
Range: From southern Canada across most of the United States, extending from the Northeast and Great Lakes west to British Columbia and south to the Gulf states and the central Rockies
| EMP: | FAC |
|---|---|
| NCNE: | FACU |
Phenology
Flowers late May through June. Blooming period is 4 to 6 weeks.
Characteristics
Inflorescence compound umbels at tips of stems; each umbellet many-flowered, with central flowers sessile; each umbel 2 to 3″ across
Flowers tiny, bright yellow flowers; 5 strongly incurved petals; 5 sepas, 5 stamens; ⅛ across
Leaves
basal leaves simple, heart-shaped; 1-4″ long
cauline leaves alternate; upper tripartite, margins with tooth-like projections; lower sometimes simple
Stems erect, branching, glabrous; sometimes reddish
Fruit ovate schizocarpwith 2 seeds, flattened; seeds small, brown, ribbed, with 5 angular ribs
Height 1 to 3 feet
Identification Tips
Basal leaves are heart-shaped.
Central flower in an umbellet is sessile.
Plant Codes
S-rank: S5 (Secure)
G-rank: G5 (Secure)
Ecology
Loose umbels offer abundant nectar and pollen to a wide array of insects such as native bees, syrphid and tachinid flies, small butterflies, beetles, and other easily‑accessing pollinators. Blooming in late spring, it provides an important early‑season resource in meadows and open woods.
The plant also serves as a larval host for the Black Swallowtail butterfly, whose caterpillars feed on its leaves.
By supporting diverse pollinator guilds and early‑season herbivores, Z. aptera contributes to woodland edge and glades food webs.
Zizia aptera heartleaf alexanders
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