Zizia aptera | heart-leaved meadow parsnip

This plant is not currently available, however, propagation is planned/underway. Please sign up for the waitlist below to receive updates on availability.

Zizias may not the be the most ornamental perennials, but they are invaluable natives (see note below on range) that should be included in the woodland garden.

Z. aptera (heart-leaved meadow parsnip) and Z. aurea (meadow parsnip) are nearly indistinguishable, except that Z. aptera has heart-shaped leaves while Z. aurea has ovate leaves. Otherwise, both have yellow umbel flowers that draw in the pollinators, both host scores of caterpillars, provide nectar for pollinators, and feed songbirds. They are most often found growing in colonies in woodlands or prairies and prefer to grow in consistently moist soil in full sun or part shade. Z. aptera will tolerate some dryness, Z. aurea will not.

We found conflicting information on the native range in literature. Most sources seem to agree that Z. aptera is native to select areas of New York state, south to Florida, and across the country to Washington. It is not found in AZ, CA, CT, LA, MA, ME, NE, NH, NV, RI, TX, or VT.

Syn. Zizia cordata, Smyrnium cordatum

Zones: 3 to 8
Family: Apiaceae
Type: Perennial
Height: 12 to 36 in.
Spread: 12 to 18 in.
Exposure: full sun to part shade
Soil: average to moist, well-drained soil
Bloom Time: May
Native Range: across much of the US (see above)