Crocus

Crocus

Crocus is a genus of perennial flowering plants that grows from a corm. As one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, they are popular with gardeners. The flowers are purple, white, yellow, or combinations of these colors. There are at least a hundred species of crocus, of which approximately 30 are cultivated. Crocuses are placed botanically in the family Iridaceae.

The spice saffron is obtained from the stamens of Crocus sativus, a fall-blooming species.

larger image Crocus 'E.A. Bowles'

larger image Crocus vernus 'Pickwick'

larger image Crocus longiflorus

Autumn Crocus is a common name used for Colchicum, which is in the lily family (Liliaceae)

larger image	Crocus 'E.A. Bowles'
larger image	Crocus vernus 'Pickwick'
larger image	Crocus longiflorus