Golden alexander (Taenidia integerrima, H.G.A.Engler & K.A.E.Prantl, Nat. Pflanzenfam. 3(8): 195 (1898))

Family: Apiaceae

Author: (L.) Drude

Bibliography: H.G.A.Engler & K.A.E.Prantl, Nat. Pflanzenfam. 3(8): 195 (1898)

Year: 1898

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Taenidia

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Golden alexander, scientifically named Taenidia integerrima, is a notable plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. Initially described in significant botanical literature by renowned botanists H.G.A. Engler and K.A.E. Prantl in 1898, Golden alexander has garnered attention due to its distinct characteristics and widespread presence across southeastern Canada to central and eastern regions of the United States.

The species was authoritatively categorized by Drude, drawing on the taxonomical work of Linnaeus, hence referenced as (L.) Drude in scientific nomenclature. This perennial herbaceous plant typically thrives in the well-drained soils of meadows, open woods, and prairies, revealing a preference for habitats that provide adequate sunlight and moisture.

Golden alexander is particularly valued for its vibrant yellow flowers, which bloom in flat-topped clusters during late spring to early summer. These flowers are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve an important ecological role, attracting a variety of pollinators including bees and butterflies. The foliage of Taenidia integerrima is equally distinctive, with finely divided, fern-like leaves that add to its ornamental appeal.

In addition to its beauty and ecological contributions, Golden alexander has been studied for its potential medicinal properties, a common trait within its family, Apiaceae. However, the full extent of its medical benefits remains a subject of ongoing research.

Overall, Golden alexander stands out as a species of interest both for its horticultural value and its ecological interactions within its native range. Whether observed in a natural setting or cultivated in a garden, Taenidia integerrima remains an excellent example of botanical diversity and adaptability in North American flora.

Common Names

Eng: golden alexander, yellow pimpernel, yellow pimpernell, yellow-pimpernel
Fra: ténidia à feuilles entières, ténidie très entière
En: Golden Alexander, Yellow-pimpernel, Yellow pimpernel, YELLOW PIMPERAL, Yellow pimpernell
Fr: Ténidia à feuilles entières, Ténidie très entière

Synonyms

• Pimpinella integrifolia (Alph.Wood)
• Smyrnium integerrimum (L.)
• Sison integerrimum ((L.) Spreng.)
• Zizia integerrima ((L.) DC.)
• Bupleurum compositum ((L.) Spreng.)
• Pimpinella integerrima ((L.) A.Gray)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 18, 2014 by EOL − Evan Raskin (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 18, 2014 by EOL − Erin Faulkner (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 17, 2014 by EOL − Robert L Curtis (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken Sep 14, 2013 by EOL − dsuarez (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 11, 2014 by EOL − Jesse Lincoln (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 18, 2014 by EOL − Erin Faulkner (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 19, 2016 by EOL − leannewallisbiologist (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Apr 25, 2015 by EOL − Matt Rung (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 24, 2015 by EOL − omegadan01 (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 17, 2014 by EOL − Robert L Curtis (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 1, 2014 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 19, 2016 by EOL − leannewallisbiologist (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5371759)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:249038-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Taenidia integerrima (L.) Drude)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth