Meadow Zizia
Zizia aptera
Last reviewed: July 2026
Meadow Zizia is a native wildflower blooming yellow in May and June across most US states. This adaptable forb attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to gardens and natural areas.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, CO, CT and 33 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles, wasps
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
Meadow zizia is a compact native perennial that forms neat clumps with divided, bright green foliage. It produces clusters of small yellow flowers in late spring and early summer, creating a tidy, well-behaved appearance in the garden.
Growing Meadow Zizia
Grow Meadow Zizia in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Meadow Zizia is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Goes dormant in winter leaving bare spots
Wildlife value
Host plant for black swallowtail butterfly.
The yellow flowers attract a diverse range of pollinators including native bees, butterflies, beetles, and wasps. It serves as a host plant for black swallowtail butterfly caterpillars.
Common questions
- When does Meadow Zizia bloom?
- Meadow Zizia produces yellow flowers during May and June, making it an excellent early summer pollinator plant.
- What pollinators visit Meadow Zizia?
- Meadow Zizia attracts a diverse range of pollinators including bees, butterflies, beetles, and wasps with its clustered yellow flowers.
- Where is Meadow Zizia native?
- Meadow Zizia is native to most US states from coast to coast, including the Southeast, Midwest, Great Plains, and portions of the West and Northeast.
- What growing conditions does Meadow Zizia prefer?
- Meadow Zizia is adaptable to various light conditions from full sun to partial shade and tolerates a range of soil moisture levels.
- Is Meadow Zizia HOA-friendly?
- Meadow Zizia is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Meadow Zizia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz