Colchicum autumnale – Autumn Crocus
- Hakan Sener
- Dec 28, 2025
- 2 min read
Explore Colchicum autumnale (Autumn Crocus) – its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Colchicum autumnale | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Autumn Crocus, Meadow Saffron
Family: Colchicaceae
Appearance: A perennial geophyte producing goblet-shaped, pale lilac to pink flowers in autumn without leaves. Strap-like green leaves emerge in spring, followed by seed capsules, then die back by early summer. Flowers resemble crocus but belong to a different family.
Type: Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: N/A
Layer: Groundcover
Root System: Corm-based storage organ with fibrous roots
Height: 10–30 cm
Width: 10–20 cm
Lifespan: Long-lived
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Fertility: Self-fertile
Flowers: Hermaphroditic
Pollinator: Bees and other insects active in autumn
Toxicity: Highly toxic to humans and animals; all parts contain colchicine, which can be fatal if ingested
Colchicum autumnale | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Europe and western Asia
Companionship: Not suitable for food-producing guilds due to toxicity; best used in ornamental or wild meadow settings
Invasive Range: Naturalized in parts of Europe, New Zealand, and North America; locally invasive in some pasture systems
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4–9
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: Moderate tolerance
Drought: Moderate tolerance during dormancy; prefers moisture during active growth
Shade: Moderate tolerance – flowers and leaves tolerate partial shade
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: High tolerance
Maritime: Moderate tolerance
Air Pollution: Moderate tolerance
Fire: Low tolerance
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Moisture: Moist during spring growth; dry to moderate during summer dormancy
Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained loam or clay-loam
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
Propagation
Seeds: Possible but slow; may take several years to flower
Division: Primary method; corms divided during summer dormancy
Cuttings: Not applicable
Colchicum autumnale | Functional Uses and Benefits
Permalogica cannot take any responsibility for any adverse reactions or health effects from using plants. Always consult a professional before using plants for medicinal purposes.
Edible: No – extremely poisonous
Medicinal: Source of colchicine, used pharmaceutically in controlled doses for gout and research applications
Cosmetics: Not used
Animal Feed: Not suitable; highly toxic to livestock
Fiber: No
Timber: Not applicable
Firewood: Not applicable
Wind Break: Not suitable
Fence: Not suitable
Cover Crop: No
Mulch: No
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No
Pollinator Attractor: Yes – provides late-season nectar for insects
Pest Repellent: No
Wildlife Supporter: Limited; toxic nature discourages grazing animals
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