Apiaceae : Zizia aptera
Family Name
Apiaceae
Common Name
Heartleaf Alexanders
Description
Zizia aptera is a perennial herb, erect with simple or branching stems which grow from a fleshy root and attain 30 to 70 cm in height. The basal leaves are chordate, simple 4-7 cm long and 3-5 cm wide, with petioles 5-10 cm long, with toothed margins. The cauline leaves are alternate, ternately divided, the divisions with margins having small teeth and often lobed. The inflorescences are loose compound umbels 5-7 cm across, attached to a long peduncle (6-10 cm) each with 7 to 15 umbellets attached by unequal pedicels (1-3 cm long) to terminal umbels of 12-18 flowers. Each tiny (< 3 mm) flower has 5 petals that remain nearly closed. The fruit is an oblong schizocarp ~ 3 mm long. Heartleaf Alexanders bloom from late April to July on moist meadows, prairies and open wooded hillsides.
Horticulture Notes
S
Seed Collection: Collect seeds when the fruit splits into 2 parts.
Germination: Plant in the fall for best results.
Soils: Moist, sandy or sandy-clay soils.
Light: Full Sun to shade.
Water: Moist
Additional Notes
Bees, butterflies, and beetles seek nectar and pollen from the flowers. Black swallowtail butterfly caterpillars feed on the foliage.