Autumn Crocus
Colchicum autumnale · meadow saffron · naked boys · naked ladies
At a Glance
| Botanical name | Colchicum autumnale |
|---|---|
| Common name(s) | autumn crocus, meadow saffron, naked boys, naked ladies |
| Family | Colchicaceae |
| Plant type | perennial |
| Height × Spread | 25 cm × — |
| Hardiness | — |
| Position | Full sun, Partial shade |
| Soil | — |
| Flowering | September |
| Toxicity | lethally toxic due to its colchicine content |
| Native range | Great Britain and Ireland, mainland Europe from Portugal to Ukraine, Sweden, European Russia, New Zealand |
Overview
Colchicum autumnale, commonly known as autumn crocus, meadow saffron, naked boys or naked ladies, is a toxic perennial flowering plant. It resembles true crocuses but belongs to the Colchicaceae family, distinct from the Iridaceae family of true crocuses. The vernacular name 'meadow saffron' is misleading, as it is not the source of saffron, which comes from Crocus sativus. Despite its toxicity, it is cultivated as an ornamental in temperate regions.
Botanical Description
This herbaceous perennial produces leaves up to 25 cm long. Its solitary flowers are 4–7 cm across, featuring six tepals, six stamens with orange anthers, and three white styles. The ovary is positioned below ground at the time of fertilisation.
Origin and Habitat
Native to Great Britain and Ireland, and widespread across mainland Europe from Portugal to Ukraine, it also occurs in Sweden, European Russia, and New Zealand where it is naturalised. It typically grows in lowland grassy meadows.
Cultivation
Cultivated as an ornamental in temperate climates, it is valued for its autumn display despite its toxicity. The cultivar 'Nancy Lindsay' has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Care and Maintenance
Plant corms in well-drained soil in positions of full sun or partial shade. Allow foliage to die back naturally after flowering. Avoid planting in areas accessible to children or pets due to high toxicity.
Uses
The bulb-like corms contain colchicine, a compound used medically for treating gout and familial Mediterranean fever, and in plant breeding to create polyploid strains. It is not used for saffron production. Its primary horticultural use is as an ornamental plant.
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Cultivars and Varieties
| Cultivar | Height | Flower | Notes | AGM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 'Nancy Lindsay' | — | — | has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit | ✓ |
Pests and Diseases
| Problem | Symptoms | Management |
|---|---|---|
| toxicity | lethal to felines | — |
Quick Care Summary
| Sunlight | Full sun, Partial shade |
|---|---|
| Soil | — |
| Hardiness | — |
| Sow | — |
| Plant | — |
| Prune | — |
Facts sourced from Wikipedia / Colchicum autumnale (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colchicum_autumnale)