Crocus: Colchicum byzantinum

description for "Crocus: Colchicum byzantinum"

Byzantine colchicum is also known as Colchicum autumnale var. major. An extremely free-flowering species from Asia Minor that bears a profusion of rosy-lilac flowers with white throats in succession during September. The oversized blooms often measure 4 inches across with some individual petals over 2 inches in length. Foliage emerges when the flowers fade. This species was observed by the Flemish botanist Clusius over 400 years ago. Colchicum, also known as meadow saffron, is a unique flower bulb genus that blooms while dormant. If you're tardy to plant you may find your corms blooming in the wheelbarrow. The corms produce flowers only weeks after planting in the fall. Ants relish the seed coating of colchicum (and puschkinia), thereby spreading intact embryos to naturalize areas with fall blooms. -- edited by dtd pbcouchman

History:

Colchicum byzantinum is native to Turkey.