autumn crocus

noun

1. any of several bulbous plants of the genus Colchicum, of the lily family, especially C. autumnale, bearing showy, crocuslike white, pink, or purple flowers in autumn.

autumn crocus

noun

1. a liliaceous plant, Colchicum autumnale, of Europe and N Africa having pink or purplish autumn flowers Also calledmeadow saffron Compare saffron

Word History and Origins

Origin of autumn crocus¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Autumn crocus will bloom the same year, but keep in mind that autumn crocus is toxic, so if children play in your yard or you have pets, it might not be a safe choice.

From Salon

The dried threads of autumn crocus, only three per flower, make saffron, the intense, precious seasoning originally native to Eurasia.

From New York Times

There’s the autumn crocus, a highly poisonous plant whose seeds and roots were used by ancient Egyptians to treat gout.

From Washington Post

Heath, of Brent and Becky’s Bulbs, offers a dozen types of autumn crocus, but he particularly likes Crocus laevigatus Fontenayi, which has purple striped petals that open to reveal a pale center.

From Washington Post

A faint aura of unconscious beauty still hovers over these flower collections, in which lichens, sprigs of veronica, lilies-of-the-valley and autumn crocuses have survived, pressed and a little faded, from the 18th century.

From The Guardian