Zizia aptera – Heartleaf Alexanders

A tough, easy-to-grow plant with thick, evergreen basal leaves above which rises an umbel of small golden flowers. The early Spring bloom brings a dash of bright color to a meadow, prairie or butterfly garden. This is a great choice for butterfly gardens – it serves as a host plant for the Black Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio polyxenes), and the flowers provide an early nectar source for the American Painted Lady (Vanessa virginiensis), as well as a variety of native bees.