Intro: Erect perennial of moist forests.

Stems: Stems slender, branched above, with longitudinal lines, smooth.

Leaves: Leaves basal and alternate on the stem, petiolate (petioles shorter upward), pinnately divided into 3 or 5 lance-shaped to oval leaflets to 3 in. long each, the larger leaflets lobed and all margins toothed; shiny and smooth.

Inforescence:

Flowers: Flowers in flat-topped, compound umbels, 2-3 in. wide, terminating stem and branches and consisting of around 12 umbellets each. Flowers stalked, except for the central one in each umbellet; bright yellow; 1/8 in. wide; consisting of 5 incurved petals, 5 protruding stamens and a protruding divided style.

Fruits: Fruit a joined pair of ridged, oval seeds.

Comments:

Height: 1-2.5 ft.

plant sale text: Common golden alexanders produces showy, flat-topped clusters of small, bright yellow flowers in early summer. This plant provides butterflies with both a nectar source and larval food (host plant for Black Swallowtails). It is also attractive to a variety of pollinators. Long-lived, this species is found in rich moist woods, riverbanks, and open meadows. 2012 NC Wildflower of the Year.

bloom table text: Flowering here in North Carolina from April through May, Golden Alexanders bring a deep yellow to our gardens and are a favorite food for the Black Swallowtail butterfly caterpillars. The flowers are attractive to many kinds of insects seeking pollen or nectar. The preference is full to partial sun, although light shade under trees is tolerated. The soil should be moist and loamy, and can contain some rocky material. Habitats include openings in moist to mesic woodlands, often in areas along woodland paths. It adapts readily to habitat restorations as it naturalizes easily.

description: Erect perennial of moist forests.

stems: Stems slender, branched above, with longitudinal lines, smooth.

leaves: Leaves basal and alternate on the stem, petiolate (petioles shorter upward), pinnately divided into 3 or 5 lance-shaped to oval leaflets to 3 in. long each, the larger leaflets lobed and all margins toothed; shiny and smooth.

inflorescence:

flowers: Flowers in flat-topped, compound umbels, 2-3 in. wide, terminating stem and branches and consisting of around 12 umbellets each. Flowers stalked, except for the central one in each umbellet; bright yellow; 1/8 in. wide; consisting of 5 incurved petals, 5 protruding stamens and a protruding divided style.

fruits: Fruit a joined pair of ridged, oval seeds.

comments:

cultural notes:

germination code: 2

native range: eastern & central N. America