A Small Fall-flowering Crocus
One of my neighbors has some small purple crocus blooming in their front yard this autumn. I'm taking a close look to see what kind they are. Could they be Saffron Crocus? Come into my post to find out!
There are many kinds of small, fall-flowering crocus. The Pacific Bulb Society describes over 35 different species!1,2,3
Looking at all the identification features -- light purple flowers emerging before the leaves, a yellow base to the flowers, orange-red styles divided into many parts -- this looks like Crocus speciosa. It naturalizes well, taking care of itself and even spreading, without much gardening help.
Saffron spice comes from one specific kind of crocus, Crocus sativus, not the C. speciosa that my neighbor has in their yard. But I will be able to show you the Saffron crocus! I grow it in my garden. And the harvest has just started, so stay tuned!
1Pacific Bulb Society Fall Crocus: A-H // 2Pacific Bulb Society Fall Crocus: I-O // 3Pacific Bulb Society Fall Crocus: P-Z
What Do You Think?
- Do you have any fall-flowering crocus in your area?
- Do you grow any crocus that flower in the spring or fall?
- Do you like Saffron spice?
- Have you grown and harvested Saffron?
Wait @haphazard-hstead, isn't the real Saffron (Crocus sativus) growing in spring, not in autumn? Be careful to make sure it's not Colchicum autumnale
The true Saffron crocus, Crocus sativus, is an autumn flowering crocus. The Colchicum autumnale also flowers in the autumn, but it is in a completely different plant family. It's much bigger than a real crocus, although it does have a common name of "meadow saffron". But your caution is well-placed, for sure, because the Colchicum contains the powerful chemical, colchicine, and none of it should be used for saffron! Some people might also know the Colchicum as "naked ladies", because the flowers emerge before the vegetation, like these real crocus.
The Portland Botanical Society has a great website that lists and described the many spring- and fall-blooming crocus. There sure are a lot of them! I'm glad I planted some of the real Saffron crocus a few years ago.
Wow, just wow... Thank you so much for everything! So the leaves are a sure sign it is not Colchicum, btw... Your macrophotography is awesome, we've got a similar style. The link you gave me is awesome (and just entered my permacultural digital library), thank, thank, thank you!
Gorgeous colour.... I always love blue and purple flowers
I am wondering if these can be used same like saffron my friend? It would be just awesome if the answer is yes!
There is a wide range of views in the literature about eating any part of crocus that aren't Crocus sativus, the true Saffron crocus. It's something I will be researching more and experimenting with, for sure! But I'm glad I grow the Saffron crocus. They are not demanding at all, and I get more flowers every year.
Absolutely beautiful, love that shade of blue. Thank you for sharing.
Would love to see Saffron crocus soon! Following you. :)
nice gardening frnd @haphazard-hastead
Cute little flower with lovely color! Good information and great shot!
Looking forward to reading your article regarding Saffron crocus which you grow in your garden! ;)
Beautiful photos, btw! ;) ☺
They are so pretty! And saffron was the first thing I though of when I saw the photo with the center.
They are very pretty flowers!