autumn crocus

American  

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 British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of autumn crocus

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 • Sep. 18, 2021

Had he traversed this region earlier in the year, he might have missed an exquisite feature, namely, the sweeps of autumn crocus.

From East of Paris Sketches in the Gâtinais, Bourbonnais, and Champagne by Betham-Edwards, Matilda

One is the Sternbergia, or autumn daffodil, and the other is the autumn crocus.

From Trees, Fruits and Flowers of Minnesota, 1916 Embracing the Transactions of the Minnesota State Horticultural Society,Volume 44, from December 1, 1915, to December 1, 1916, Including the Twelve Numbers of "The Minnesota Horticulturist" for 1916 by Latham, A. W.

The bulb is rather small; its form resembles that of the autumn crocus, as also does its mode of growth and reproduction.

From Hardy Perennials and Old Fashioned Flowers Describing the Most Desirable Plants, for Borders, Rockeries, and Shrubberies. by Wood, John