Crocus, genus of hardy perennial plants, of the iris family, native to southern Europe and Asia and widely cultivated. Crocuses produce a single tubular flower and grasslike leaves growing from a corm, or underground stem base. Common autumnal species include the saffron crocus, which has a bright lilac flower from which the dye and flavoring agent saffron is made, and a crocus whose flowers are a more delicate shade of lilac. The yellow cloth-of-gold crocus is one of the earliest blooming flowers in temperate climates. Other spring species are the Dutch crocus, which is also yellow, and the early crocus with lilac or white flowers. See also Autumn Crocus.Scientific classification: Crocuses belong to the family Iridaceae. The saffron crocus is classified as Crocus sativus and the autumnal species with flowers of a more delicate shade of lilac as Crocus speciosus. The yellow cloth-of-gold crocus is classified as Crocus susianus, the Dutch crocus as Crocus moesiacus, and the early crocus as Crocus imperati.
