Golden Alexander is best in rain gardens, native gardens, on the edges of woodland areas, and carpeting sun-dappled banks. It self-sows to create large drifts of sunny yellow flowers and shiny green foliage and flowers in spring. After bloom the seed heads turn a purplish hue and add interest to later summer gardens. Soils can be moisture holding or very well-drained, as long as spring rains are plentiful. A plant host to the caterpillars of the black swallowtail butterfly, they also support specialist bees, bumblebees and beneficial insects and provide nesting sites.