Quick answer: Heart-leaved meadow parsnip (Zizia aptera) is native to 30 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possession, Wikimedia Commons (PUBLIC DOMAIN)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Moist |
| Soil | Moist, sandy or sandy-clay soils, adaptable to alkaline |
| Bloom | Bloom May-Jun |
| Height | Up to 3 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Special value to native bees, supports conservation biological control, toxic alkaloid to livestock |
Contains toxic alkaloid in bulb and foliage; causes vomiting, breathing difficulties, and coma in humans; livestock can be poisoned via grazing or hay
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Heart-leaved meadow parsnip
Where is Heart-leaved meadow parsnip native?
Heart-leaved meadow parsnip (Zizia aptera) is native to 30 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Heart-leaved meadow parsnip bloom?
Heart-leaved meadow parsnip blooms May-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Heart-leaved meadow parsnip need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: Moist. Soil: Moist, sandy or sandy-clay soils, adaptable to alkaline. Mature height: Up to 3 ft tall.
Is Heart-leaved meadow parsnip good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Special value to native bees, supports conservation biological control, toxic alkaloid to livestock.
Is Heart-leaved meadow parsnip deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Heart-leaved meadow parsnip is deer-resistant and tolerates shade.
Is Heart-leaved meadow parsnip toxic?
Contains toxic alkaloid in bulb and foliage; causes vomiting, breathing difficulties, and coma in humans; livestock can be poisoned via grazing or hay.
Where can I buy real Heart-leaved meadow parsnip seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Zizia aptera on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Heart-leaved meadow parsnip.
- Dutchman's breeches Dicentra cucullaria
- Canadian wild ginger Asarum canadense
- Virginia mountain mint Pycnanthemum virginianum
- Eastern red columbine Aquilegia canadensis
- Showy goldenrod Solidago speciosa
- Sweet Joe-Pye Eutrochium purpureum
Also listed under
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