Family: Apiaceae
Author: (A.Gray) Fernald
Bibliography: Rhodora 41: 441 (1939)
Year: 1939
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Zizia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Canada to U.S.A.
Description
Meadow zizia, scientifically known as Zizia aptera, is a herbaceous perennial plant renowned for its ecological adaptability and modest beauty. This species belongs to the Apiaceae family, which encompasses a diverse group of flowering plants often recognized by their aromatic qualities and intricate inflorescences.
First classified and described in a detailed botanical account within Rhodora 41: 441 by Fernald in 1939, Zizia aptera has since been studied for its unique characteristics and distribution across North America. Its habitat range extends broadly from Canada to the United States, thriving in a variety of environments where it often attracts the attention of botanists and ecologists alike.
Characterized by its compound leaves and bright yellow, umbel-shaped flower clusters, Meadow zizia has the capacity to bring a touch of subtle elegance to natural landscapes such as meadows, prairies, and open woodlands. The plant typically blooms in late spring to early summer, providing a valuable nectar source for pollinators including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Adding to its ecological significance, Zizia aptera is often celebrated among native plant enthusiasts for its low maintenance needs, rendering it an appealing choice for gardeners looking to foster native biodiversity. Once established, it exhibits a resilient nature, tolerating a variety of soil conditions and requiring minimal intervention.
The study and conservation of Meadow zizia reflect broader efforts to preserve native plant species that contribute to ecological health and diversity. By understanding the specific characteristics and habitat requirements of Zizia aptera, conservationists can effectively support populations of this charming perennial across its natural range, ensuring its presence for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
Common Names
Eng: heart-leaf alexanders, heartleaf alexanders, meadow zizia, meadowparsnip, heart-leaved alexanders, meadow parsnip, wingless alexanders
Swe: hjärtzizia
Fra: zizia des marais
En: Meadow zizia, Heart-Leaf Alexanders, MEADOWPARSNIP, ZIZIA, Heartleaf alexanders, Golden alexanders, Heart-leaved Alexanders, Heart-leaved golden Alexanders, Meadow parsnip, Wingless alexanders
Fr: Zizia des marais
Sv: Hjärtzizia
Synonyms
- Zizia aptera var. occidentalis (Fernald)
- Thaspium trifoliatum var. apterum (A.Gray)
- Zizia cordata (W.D.J.Koch ex DC.)
- Thaspium cordatum (Torr. & A.Gray)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Alberta (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Utah (native)
- Virginia (native)
- Washington (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jun 11, 2022 by Pascal Guerin (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2022 by Pieter Verbrugghe (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 17, 2022 by Natalie Stennes (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 5, 2020 by Lise Rajewicz (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 8, 2021 by lynn pitt (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 24, 2012 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 24, 2012 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 25, 2022 by Jared Wehrle (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2022 by Pieter Verbrugghe (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 15, 2022 by Bénard Tremblay Milo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 21, 2011 by EOL − RT Hawke (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 24, 2012 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 20, 2015 by EOL − Sarah Vinge-Mazer (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Mar 24, 2012 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 24, 2012 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 24, 2012 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3034518)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:271187-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Zizia aptera (A. Gray) Fernald)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
