Autumn crocus Colchicum autumnale

Features

Colchicum autumnale, commonly known as autumn crocus, meadow saffronor naked ladies, is a toxic autumn-blooming flowering plant that resembles the true crocuses, but is a member of the plant family Colchicaceae, unlike the true crocuses which belong to the family Iridaceae.

Species	Perrenial
Living space	Bright forest, Bush crowns, Meadow, Treeline
Size	up to 20 cm

Description

This herbaceous perennial has leaves up to 20 cm long. The flowers are solitary, 4–7 cm across, with six tepals and six stamens with orange anthers and three white styles. At the time of fertilisation, the ovary is below ground. It attracts butterflies. It needs moist and well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It does not tolerate standing water. It needs full sun. It tolerates low winter temperatures well.