Zizea named in honor of German botanist, Johann Baptist Ziz and aurea from the Latin word for "golden-yellow".

Reaches 3 feet tal, stalked and alternate compound leaves, each leaf divided into three parts with each of those parts often being divided into three leaflets. Domed clusters of golden-yellow flowers bloom from June through July. Quite common throughout the Tallgrass region on moist prairies, wet thickets and along creeks and streams; also common along roadsides and waste places. Old grazed fields are often covered in Golden Alexanders.

"Native Americans used the pulverized root to treat sharp pains; a tea was made from the leaves and flowers to treat ""female disorders""; poulticed root was used on inflammations and sores Can cause photodermatitis due to xanthotoxin in the plant; xanthotoxin is used to treat psoriasis and vitiligo. Best to avoid contact and exposure to sunlight when near Z. aurea.

Edible Uses: The flowers, with the main stem removed, are a welcome addition to a tossed green salad. They are also a delicious cooked vegetable when used in a similar manner to broccoli. Medicinal Uses: A tea made from the root is febrifuge. The root is also believed to be vulnerary and hypnotic.

Medicinal Uses: Unknown

Edibile Uses: Unknown