Autumn Crocus
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.