Colchicum autumnale
Autumn Crocus, Meadow Saffron
5-7
Europe

Fall blooming corm perennial
6 inches
Rosy-purple flowers to 4 inches wide
August to September
Leaves are produced after flowering. They vary in number from 3 to 5 and may be 10 inches long.
 
 
 

This plant is the source of a chemical called colchicine. It is used as a medicine for certain human diseases. Also, it is used during hybridizing of plants to cause a doubling of chromosomes during cross-breeding. This often results in a tetraploid plant that may have larger, thicker flowers and other plant parts. Many new daylily (Hemerocallis) cultivars are created this way.

 

 
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