Autumn Crocus

(Colchicum autumnale)

Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)

Lest Mehlich)

CC BY-SA 3.0

Image By: Lest Mehlich)

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Lest Mehlich) | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ | Uploader: Lestath | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Colchicum_autumnale_01.JPG | Notes: {{Information |Description= Location: Botanical Gardens Berlin |Source= |Date=September 2006 |Author=[[:User:BotBln]] |Permission=GNU Free Documentation License |other_versions= }} {{GFDL}} [[Category:Colchicaceae]] |

Estimated Native Range

Climate Requirements

• Precipitation	30" - 36"
• High Temp.	69°F - 78°F
• Low Temp.	23°F - 33°F

Enter location for climate suitability and irrigation needs

Summary

Colchicum autumnale, commonly known as Autumn Crocus, is a deciduous perennial herb native to meadows, grassy slopes, and open woodland areas across Europe, including the British Isles, the Mediterranean, and western Asia. It typically grows to a height and width of 0.5-0.8 feet (15-20 cm). The plant features a rosette of lance-shaped leaves that appear in the spring, followed by the emergence of its distinctive goblet-shaped flowers in the late summer to fall. The flowers come in shades of pink, purple, and white and are particularly noted for their showiness when most other plants have ceased blooming.

The Autumn Crocus is valued for its ability to provide vibrant color in the garden during a time when few other plants are in flower. It is often used in rock gardens, borders, and naturalized in grassy areas. It prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it is important to note that all parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested. Gardeners should handle the plant with care and be mindful of its placement in gardens accessible to children and pets.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 0.5-0.8 feet
Width: 0.5-0.8 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Meadows, grassy slopes, and open woodland areas across Europe

Other Names

Common Names: Meadow Saffron, Naked Ladies, Colchicum, Meadow-Saffron, Autumn-Crocus, Saffrwm Y Ddôl, Høst-Tidløs, Herbst-Zeitlose, Syysmyrkkylilja, Colchique Dautomne

Scientific Names: Colchicum autumnale, Colchicum vranjanum, Colchicum pannonicum, Colchicum autumnale var. vernum, Colchicum autumnale var. speciosissimum, Colchicum vernale, Colchicum autumnale var. album, Colchicum autumnale var. pannonicum, Colchicum autumnale var. vernale

GBIF Accepted Name: Colchicum autumnale L.