Autumn Crocus

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Autumn Crocus, common name for a bulbous herb (see Lily). Native to Europe and not a true crocus, this garden plant, which is also called meadow saffron, takes its name from its unusual pattern of flowering. In spring, several large, straplike leaves grow from the bulb, more or less erect, to a height of 60 cm (24 in) or more. When the leaves fall off in the autumn, clusters of purple or white crocuslike flowers appear. Autumn crocus contains poisonous alkaloids, the principal one being colchicine.

Scientific classification: The autumn crocus belongs to the family Liliaceae. It is classified as Colchicum autumnale.

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