Colchicum speciosum (Autumn Crocus)

Colchicum speciosum, commonly known as Autumn Crocus, is native to the mountainous areas of northern Turkey, the Caucasus and northern Iran. Growing to 18-25cm tall, it is a herbaceous perennial growing from corms. The autumn blooms producing reddish/violet crocus-like flowers on stems up to 30cm tall without any leaves present. The strap-like leaves grow in the spring, then yellow, wither and die back as summer progresses. The flowers strongly resemble those of the crocus, the familiar spring-flowering bulb. All parts of this plant are toxic if ingested.