Zizia aurea

RHS Plant Profile
golden alexanders

Other common names

wild parsley

Herbaceous Perennial

An herbaceous perennial to 80cm tall, with upright, branching stems and toothed, glossy, pinnate leaves. In late spring and early summer it produces flattened umbels of bright yellow flowers; these are followed by purplish seed heads

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Apiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
North America

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free