Colchicum autumnale (autumn crocus)

Colchicum autumnale leaves

Leaf type: Oblong, lanceolate, slightly twisted
Phyllotaxis: Alternate
Colour: Green

Leaf (upper side)

leaves Colchicum autumnale
The leaves of Colchicum autumnale at the beginning of April.
Autumn crocus leaves
The leaves of the autumn crocus are alternate.

Habitus & biology

Colchicum autumnale grows as a perennial and shows its leaves from spring to early summer. It survives the dry summer weeks as a dormant bulb. Its pink flowers appear in autumn. The fruits with the seeds appear together with the leaves.

All parts of the plant are poisonous.

Colchicum autumnale habitus
Habitus of Colchicum autumnale at the beginning of April.
Colchicum autumnale flowers
The flowers of Colchicum autumnale in September.

Distribution & habitates

Originally native to Europe, Colchicum autumnale has also found its way to other regions as an ornamental plant (source).

It grows in meadows, pastures and sparse forests.

Colchicum autumnale in meadow

Botany

Colchicum autumnale belongs to the family Colchicaceae. It is commonly known as autumn crocus or meadow saffron.