Autumn Crocus
ExplorePlants
Autumn Crocus
Colchicum autumnale
The Autumn Crocus is a beautiful flower that blooms in the fall. It has lovely purple petals and grows from a bulb underground. These flowers can brighten up gardens when many other plants are done blooming.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Autumn Crocus has beautiful funnel-shaped flowers, often purple-pink, that emerge directly from the ground in autumn. It distinctly blooms without its leaves, which only appear in spring, making it unique. Its crocus-like appearance belies its separate botanical family.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderLilialesFamilyColchicaceaeGenusColchicum
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Called "Naked Ladies" because its flowers emerge directly from the soil without any leaves!
It's not a 'true' crocus; they belong to completely different plant families!
Its powerful natural toxin, colchicine, is actually used in some medicines!
The plant's seeds develop underground for many months before appearing above ground in spring!
Special abilities
Ability
Chemical Shield
Autumn Crocus produces colchicine, a strong toxin that helps it defend against hungry herbivores.
Ability
Time Traveler Blooms
Autumn Crocus can separate its flowering in fall from its leaf growth in spring, making it seem to appear out of season.
Ability
Hidden Power Source
Autumn Crocus has a deep underground corm that stores energy, allowing it to survive harsh winters and bloom without leaves.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-20 cm
- Spread
- 5-10 cm
- Flower Size
- 4-7 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late summer to late autumn
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Deadly
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Collects nectar and pollen.
pollinates
Buff-tailed Bumblebee
Bombus terrestris
Important for flower fertilization.
pollinates
Hoverfly
Syrphus ribesii
Feeds on nectar, aids reproduction.
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Ornamental
Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Fall Color
Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Poisonous
Poisonous organisms produce toxins that can cause harm when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through contact.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Do not touch or eat any flowers without asking an adult first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Autumn Crocus?
10-20 cm
How wide does Autumn Crocus spread?
5-10 cm
How big are the flowers on Autumn Crocus?
4-7 cm
When does Autumn Crocus bloom?
Late summer to late autumn
Is Autumn Crocus edible?
No
Is Autumn Crocus toxic?
Deadly
What is Autumn Crocus's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Autumn Crocus pollinated?
Insect
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