What is Meadow Saffron?

Meadow Saffron is in the family of Colchicaceae plants and flowers at the end of summer and early autumn. It is not related to spring crocus or saffron used as a spice. This late flowering crocus is commonly called autumn Crocus, Naked Lady and Wonder Bulb. Meadow Saffron is identified under the name Colchicum autumnale .

This flower is used as an ornamental plant in the landscape and is also grown for its healing use, although as a medicine should be used with extreme caution. All parts of the plant are poisonous when ingestion and roots can even cause skin irritation in contact. Meadow saffron is commonly used as a medicinal treatment in homeopathic medicine as a herbal extract for the treatment of DNA and inflammation. It has only been used in medicine since the 18th century due to its reputation to poisonous plants.

Meadow Saffron Blooms at the end of summer and autumn, producing white or light purple flowers that stand alone on upright stems that grow 4 to 12 inches (about 10 to 30 cm)high. The leaves appear in winter and early in the spring after the flowers died back. Once the leaves fall, usually at the beginning of summer, the autumn crocus goes into the short period of dormants before it blooms again.

plants grow from fleshy roots called Corms. Meadow Saffron remained naturalized in the garden because Corms constantly produce offshoots. The korms grow best when they are undisturbed, but can be divided every three years for spread. Autumn Crocus should be divided in summer during the time of dormancy.

place in full sun for six hours a day or more, or partly the sun for four to six hours a day, is ideal for Meadow saffron. The cormas are susceptible to rot when they are planted in wet areas, so that rock gardens or areas with sandy or clay soil that has good drainage usually provides the best growing environment. This tolera of the plant's wide range of pH and benefitsIn the soil with pH anywhere from 4.5 to 7.5.

Meadow Saffron can be planted in the garden in the summer. The Corm is planted 6 inches (about 15 cm) apart and 3 inches (about 8 cm) deep. In the summer, water should be reduced to allow Corms to go to the dormant.

Meadow Saffron can also be grown inside in a bowl of pebbles filled with water. The pebbles should fill a bowl of 2 inches (about 5 cm) deep. Corms can be placed on the top of the pebbles. As the roots evolve, they connect to the rocks and hold up upright. Water should be maintained at a level with an area at Corms base.