Crocus (Autumn)

About the Crocus (Autumn)

Most crocuses bloom in spring but about 30 species bloom in autumn. Autumn crocuses produce flowers before leaves appear. Colchicum autumnale is often called autumn crocus but is actually in a different family (and highly toxic). True autumn crocuses are Crocus species like C. sativus (saffron). They provide vital late-season nectar for bees. They naturalize freely. Over 80 species total. They are native to the Mediterranean and Central Asia. They prefer well-drained soil in full sun. They emerge without warning in fall.