Common names:
Meadow saffron, autumn crocus
Family:
Scientific name:
Colchicum autumnale
Main flower color:
Range:
Central and southwest England
Height:
Up to 10 cm
Habitat:
Grassland, open woodland
Flowers:
Leafless and stemless, arising from a corm; a slender, hairless, whitish tube opening to six broad, pink to purple, petal-like lobes, up to 45 mm long, centred on six stamens with pink filaments and orange anthers, and three long styles
Fruit:
Green capsules, arranged in groups of three
Leaves:
Oblanceolate, up to 30 cm long, with three parallel veins; produced in spring, withering long before the flowers appear. Leaves become yellow then brown as they wither, often appearing variegated
Season:
August to October
Rarity:
★★★★★
