Zizia aptera is a flowering plant native to North America. Its common names include meadow zizia, golden alexanders, heart leaved golden alexanders, and prairie golden alexanders.[1]

Zizia aptera
Botanical illustration
Zizia aptera in bud

Secure  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Apiales
Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Zizia
Species:
Z. aptera
Binomial name
Zizia aptera
(A.Gray) Fernald (1939)
Synonyms
  • Thaspium trifoliatum var. apterum A.Gray (1856)
  • Thaspium cordatum Torr. & A.Gray (1840)
  • Zizia aptera var. occidentalis Fernald (1939)
  • Zizia cordata W.D.J.Koch ex DC. (1830)

Description

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The leaves are 2.5–10 centimetres (1–4 inches) long, ovate and indented at the base, with jagged edges; the upper leaves are divided into three segments.[2] Compound umbels of yellow flowers bloom atop the stems from May to July. The fruits are elliptical.[2]

Distribution and habitat

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Zizia aptera can be found throughout southern Canada and much of the continental United States, though it is absent in the Southwest, the southern Great Plains, and New England.[3] It inhabits wet areas.[2]

Conservation

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Zizia aptera is listed as endangered in Connecticut,[4] as rare in Indiana, as threatened in Michigan, and as "historical" (extirpated) in Rhode Island.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Plants Profile for Zizia aptera (Meadow zizia)". plants.usda.gov. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
  2. ^ a b c Spellenberg, Richard (2001) [1979]. National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers: Western Region (rev ed.). Knopf. pp. 342–343. ISBN 978-0-375-40233-3.
  3. ^ "Zizia aptera". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
  4. ^ "Connecticut's Endangered, Threatened and Special Concern Species 2015". State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Bureau of Natural Resources. Retrieved 31 December 2017.(Note: This list is newer than the one used by plants.usda.gov and is more up-to-date.)