Heartleaf Alexanders
Zizia aptera
Heartleaf Alexanders (Zizia aptera) is a native perennial with thick, smooth, heart-shaped lower leaves and flat-topped clusters of tiny bright yellow flowers. It blooms late April into July, and grows in moist forests and meadows at mid to high elevations of the central to northern Black Hills. Photographed in the Black Hills.
| Family | Apiaceae · Carrot |
|---|---|
| Status | Native perennial |
| Blooms | Late April into July |
| Height | 30–70 cm (12–28 in) |
| Where | Moist forests and meadows, at mid to high elevations |
| Also called | Heart-leaved Alexanders, Meadow Zizia, Heart-leaved Golden Alexanders |
Roots, seeds & germination
Root: Fleshy root.
Seed: An oblong, ridged two-part fruit about 3 mm long that turns brown and splits into two seeds when ripe.
Germination: Fall planting gives the best results.
How do you identify Heartleaf Alexanders?
Look for long-stalked, heart-shaped basal leaves with finely toothed edges, stem leaves divided into three, and flat clusters 4–8 cm (1½–3 in) across. The center flower in each small group has little or no stalk. Golden Alexanders, which is not in this guide, has basal leaves divided in threes rather than whole.
When does it bloom?
Late April into July.
Where does it grow?
Moist forests and meadows at mid to high elevations of the central to northern Black Hills. SDSU also lists prairies and open wooded hillsides.
Other flowers to compare
Sources: USDA Forest Service, Black Hills National Forest: Black Hills Native Plants; SDSU Open PRAIRIE: Zizia aptera; Minnesota Wildflowers: Heart-leaved Alexanders; Marriott and Hartman 1986, A Survey of the Vegetation of Jewel Cave National Monument.