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Heart-Leaf Golden Alexander vs Golden Alexanders

These two species are sometimes confused where their ranges overlap. They are usually easily distinguished by examining the basal leaves. Although they have some overlap, Zizia aptera is usually found in drier habitats. Often the trickier ID challenges are comparing either of these to similar-looking species in other genera.

Heart-Leaf Golden Alexander (Zizia aptera)

Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea)

A carrot-family perennial of moist to mesic, sunny areas, with yellow blossoms, native to eastern North America.
Basal leaves are simple (not compound) and heart-shaped.
Photo © Bob, CC BY 4.0.
Except on seedlings, all leaves, including basal leaves, are compound.
Photo © tkr421, CC BY 4.0.

References & External Resources

These short lists show only links helpful for ID. For a complete list of references and resources also covering other aspects of ecology, visit the links section of the full article on each plant, which is the first entry here.

Heart-Leaf Golden Alexander (Zizia aptera)

Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea)

Zizia aptera | Go Botany (About This Site)

Zizia aurea | Go Botany (About This Site)

Zizia aptera (Heartleaf Golden Alexanders) | Illinois Wildflowers (About This Site)

Zizia aurea (Golden Alexanders) | Illinois Wildflowers (About This Site)

Zizia aptera | Biota of North America Project (BONAP) (About This Site)

Zizia aurea | Biota of North America Project (BONAP) (About This Site)

Zizia aptera (Heart-leaved Alexanders) | Minnesota Wildflowers (About This Site)

Zizia aurea (Golden Alexanders) | Minnesota Wildflowers (About This Site)