Native PerennialSwallowtail Host Foliage

Heartleaf Alexanders

Zizia aptera

$29.99

$34.99

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3 Plants

$10.00/plant

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6 Plants

$9.17/plant

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32 Plants

$4.66/plant

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My Home Park's Take

“Very Good ecological value with very good garden appeal—a dependable choice for many home gardens.”

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Fun factSwallowtail host foliage

Details

Soil Types

Clay

Loam

Sand

Soil Moisture

Dry

Medium

Sun Exposure

Partial Sun

Full Sun

Hardiness Zone

USDA 3–8

Plant Type

Flower

Mature Height

12”-24”

Mature Width

12”

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

March - April

Root Type

Fibrous

About this Plant

Heartleaf Alexanders bring welcome color to sunny meadows and prairie-style gardens in early spring, weeks before most other sun-loving natives wake up. Their cheerful yellow flower clusters resemble a golden Queen Anne’s lace, offering easily accessible nectar and pollen to early-emerging native bees, flies, beetles, and butterflies.

Though the flowers fade by summer, the glossy, heart-shaped basal leaves remain attractive throughout the season, functioning as a low-growing groundcover. This species is also a larval host plant for black swallowtail butterflies, adding ecological value beyond the bloom window. It thrives in full sun with medium soils and blends beautifully into layered plantings with golden alexanders, wild quinine, or native grasses.

Why Choose Heartleaf Alexanders?

Supports early-season pollinators with abundant nectar and pollen
Blooms earlier than most prairie wildflowers
Glossy foliage provides season-long interest
Host plant for black swallowtail butterflies
Thrives in full sun and handles medium soils well

Remove seedheads if you wish to limit self-seeding, or allow them to spread naturally for broader coverage in large areas. Cut back foliage in fall if desired.

Details

Soil Types

Clay

Loam

Sand

Soil Moisture

Dry

Medium

Sun Exposure

Partial Sun

Full Sun

Hardiness Zone

USDA 3–8

Plant Type

Flower

Mature Height

12”-24”

Mature Width

12”

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

March - April

Root Type

Fibrous

Heartleaf Alexanders

$29.99$34.99

Ecological Benefits

Attracts Pollinators

Provides nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators.

Attracts Butterflies

A nectar source that draws butterflies throughout the season.

Butterfly Host

Supports butterfly caterpillars as a host plant.

Deer Resistant

Less likely to be browsed by deer.

Drought Tolerant

Thrives with minimal watering once established.

What Folks Are Saying

“It's like following a recipe. Choosing from multiple designs is fun.” - Kari

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“The process from the website to getting the plants, could not have been easier or more seamless.” - Justin

“I can't believe that we are the house with this beautiful garden.” - Howard

a newly planted garden and a man holding a sign

“I've never planted anything in my life. And this was actually quite fun.” - Steve

a man laying out small potted plants in a prepared bed

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