Common Names: Golden Alexanders, Meadow Parsnip, Wild Parsley
 
Florida Native: Native to eastern Canada and the eastern United States, from the eastern Great Plains to the Atlantic Coast.
 
Size at Maturity: Reaches 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall with branching, erect reddish stems.
Growth Rate: Moderate
 Bloom Season: Blooms with clusters of tiny yellow flowers for several weeks in late spring to early summer (May to June). The central flower in each umbel (flat-topped flower cluster) is stalkless, a characteristic feature of Golden Alexanders.
Flower Color: Bright yellow, tiny flowers forming flat-topped clusters (umbels).
Leaf Shape: Lower leaves are divided into threes twice, resembling ferns, while upper leaves are once-divided.
Sunlight Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Soil Texture: Thrives in moist, well-drained soil but can tolerate drier conditions once established. Adapts to various soil types.
Soil pH: Prefers slightly alkaline soils but tolerates a wide range of pH levels.
Moisture Requirements: Average to moist. Water regularly during dry periods, especially when young. Once established, it's moderately drought tolerant.
Salt Spray Tolerance: No
 
Recommended Landscape Uses: Wildflower meadows, Borders, Naturalized areas
 
Wildlife Benefits:
Attracts short-tongued insects like butterflies and bees that can easily reach the nectar in the small flowers. Black Swallowtail and Ozark Swallowtail caterpillars feed on its leaves, making it a valuable host plant for these butterfly species.
 
Toxicity: No known toxicity to humans and pets.
 
Golden Alexanders is a short-lived perennial wildflower that adds a burst of color during the spring and early summer. It's a valuable plant for pollinators and can be a great choice for creating a naturalized look in your landscape.