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| Identification |
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Genus
Colchicum
Species
autumnale
Variety
Cultivar
Common names
autumn crocus
colchicum
meadow saffron
Family
COLCHICACEAE
Specimen number
S11722
Data source
DyePl p58;HtZn p98;MedPl p191
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| Life cycle |
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Life form
Terrestrial
Life cycle
Seasonal bulb
Life span
1 - 3 years
Annual cycle
Not applicable
Stature
Flower
Growth form
Not applicable
Growth habit
Various
Overall height
1'
Overall spread
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| Climate |
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Sunshine
Full sun to light shade
Water
Moist, well drained
Optimal soil texture
Various
Acceptable soil pH
Neutral
USDA hardiness
USDA zones 04a-09b
AHS heat zones
Heat zones 09-01
Sunset climate zones
Not classified
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| Garden |
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Suitable for gardens
yes
Nursery
Unknown
Compost
no
Size at acquisition
Unknown
Garden location
Unknown
Garden notes
Black is the most typical color produced by Colchicum autumnale. Colchicum was used in Bosnia and Herzegovina for dyeing. Colchicum (also known as autumn crocus and meadow saffron) can survive very cold winters with annual averages as low as -30� Fahrenheit. This plant needs summer days with high heat. This species likes full sun to light shade. It prefers moist, well drained soils.
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| Special qualities |
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Tolerates drought
no
Tolerates high humidity
no
Tolerates seaside conditions
no
Insect resistant
no
Disease resistant
no
Deer resistant
no
Best uses
Symbiosis
Attracts butterflies
no
Attracts hummingbirds
no
Autumn foliage
no
Colorful berries
no
Desirable qualities
Other interest
Other interest color
Other interest period
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| Adverse factors |
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Common pests
Poisonous parts
Whole plant
Poisonous indications
Internal poison
no
Dermatologic poison
no
Livestock poison
no
Mechanical injury
no
Hay fever pollen
Hay fever season
Adverse qualities
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| Herbal medicine |
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Medicinal properties
Medicinal parts
Corm
Seeds
Has medicinal uses
yes
Do not self-administer
yes
Do no use if pregnant
no
Legally restricted
yes
Toxicity precautions
It is highly toxic
Medicinal notes
Colchicum autumnale is only to be administered with proper professional knowledge. Colchicum (sometimes called autumn crocus and meadow saffron) is not permitted in some countries. The corm and the seeds are used in herbal preparations. It is highly toxic. This whole plant is toxic.
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| Traditional uses |
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Parts used
Traditional uses
Contemporary uses
Fragrance
Fragrance parts
Fragrance intensity
Fragrance category
Dye parts
Dye color
black
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| Cultivation |
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Propagule
Bulb
Pollination method
Planting style
Crop spacing
Row spacing
Cold frame
Planting period
Harvesting period
Frost tolerance
Heat requirement
Fertilizer
Typical
Time to harvest
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| Nutrition |
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Is edible
no
Culinary uses
Nutritional value
Edible parts
Description of edible parts
Flavor / texture
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| Horticulture |
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Horticulture notes
Propagation of Colchicum autumnale can be achieved using its bulbs. Colchicum (in some places called autumn crocus and meadow saffron) may have originated from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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| Herbarium |
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Tag needs printing
no
Collection notes
Colchicum autumnale is a seasonal bulb. Flowers are borne during the month of September. Most often the flowers occur in either pink or lavender, with an accent in yellow.
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