How can you not like a plant called Zizia, named for the German botanist Johann Baptist Ziz (1779-1829)? This genus of plants found on prairies and meadows belongs to the parsley or carrot family, the Apiaceae, which may sometimes still be called the Umbelliferae, a family which contains upwards of 446 genera and over 3800 species. The Apiaceae family is distinguished by yellow flowers arranged in a flower structure (inflorescence) called an umbel. An umbel has a number of short flower stalks that spread from a common point, similar to the ribs of an umbrella, resulting in a structure that is commonly flat-topped but may also be rounded. Other members of this family include anise, carrots, dill, parsley, poison hemlock, and a prairie colleague of Zizia called Rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium.) Zizia has a compound umbel, which is multi-branched.
Though Zizia, commonly known as Golden Alexanders or Golden Meadows Parsnip, is found in almost all the lower 48 states, there are only three species of it, two of which are found in Wisconsin. Zizia aptera, the Heart-leaved golden alexanders, is found in the Northwest and Southeast corners of the state on moist meadows and prairie remnants in full sun. It grows to a height of one to three feet and has coarsely toothed leaves that are heart-shaped at the base. The yellow flowers appear in May and June. Zizia aurea, common golden alexanders, is abundant in southern Wisconsin, but also found in the north, in full sun or part shade, usually on wet or moist sites. It is easily distinguished from Zizia aptera by its divided leaves edged in fine teeth. It is similar in height and bloom time. I actually purchased the plant that I have in my front yard prairie as Zizia aptera, but utilized my UW Plant Taxonomy knowledge to key it out to Zizia aurea. Both are good plants, so I’m not complaining.
The specific epithet aptera refers to insects without wings. I’m not sure how this relates to the plant but perhaps Zizia aptera is a favored host for that type of insect. Aurea refers to the color of the flowers and inner part of the root, an appropriate name for the golden alexanders, whose compound umbel may have 10 to 18 umbellets (I love that word!).
Early Europeans considered Zizia to be anti-syphilitic and a medicine for healing wounds. The Meskwaki Indians used the roots to reduce fever. They also powdered the flower stalks and added it to a mixture to produce a snuff used to cure headaches. I can’t say that I’ve used it in any of these ways but will keep that in mind should the need arise. For now, I’ll just enjoy it on my prairie.
Though it may resemble it in appearance, don’t confuse Zizia with the European plant Pastinaca sativa, commonly known as Wild Parsnip, which is a highly invasive reseeding biennial (completes its life cycle in two years). Touching the sap of the Wild Parsnip and then exposing your skin to full sun can result in painful burns. Its presence along roadsides and disturbed sites in southern Wisconsin has been increasing exponentially in recent years. Wild parsnip is generally taller (up to five feet) and blooms a bit later (June and July) than Zizia species.
Zizia may not be as showy as some summer perennials, but itis an excellent plant for naturalizing, in moist meadows and prairies, and in rain gardens. Zizia also makes a great cut flower and is a favorite food for the larvae of swallowtail butterflies. Who knows, it may become a favorite of yours as well.
The Cottage Gardener 