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Colchicaceae HERB OUTDOOR Placement Primary: Ornamental Medicinal Other

Colchicum

Colchicum autumnale

Identified By Marcs

Colchicum is a fascinating genus of perennial cormous plants belonging to the family Colchicaceae. Commonly known as autumn crocus or meadow saffron, they are famous for producing their delicate, goblet-shaped flowers in the autumn without any leaves present. The lush, broad green foliage emerges the following spring, eventually dying back before the blooming cycle repeats in late summer or autumn. While highly prized in ornamental horticulture for bringing vibrant color to the garden when most other flowers are fading, every part of the plant is exceptionally toxic due to the presence of colchicine, requiring careful handling and placement away from children and grazing animals.

Also known as: Autumn Crocus Meadow Saffron Naked Ladies

Toxicity & Safety

Is Colchicum toxic to pets?

Yes, toxic to pets.

Colchicum species are severely toxic to pets including cats, dogs, and horses. The plant contains the potent alkaloid colchicine, which causes intense vomiting, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, shock, multi-organ failure, and potential death. Ingestion of even a small amount of the corm, leaves, or flowers constitutes a veterinary emergency requiring immediate medical intervention.

Is Colchicum toxic to humans?

Yes, toxic to humans.

Colchicum is extremely toxic to humans if ingested. Accidental poisonings have occurred when people mistook the leaves for wild garlic or the corms for edible bulbs. Ingestion leads to severe burning in the mouth and throat, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, kidney failure, bone marrow depression, and respiratory paralysis. There is no specific antidote, and severe toxicity can easily be fatal.

Is Colchicum safe during pregnancy?

Caution advised during pregnancy.

Due to the potent and dangerous cytotoxic compounds such as colchicine found throughout the entire plant, Colchicum is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy. The active alkaloids can disrupt cellular division, potentially causing severe teratogenic effects, miscarriage, or life-threatening systemic toxicity in both the pregnant individual and the developing fetus. All contact should be strictly avoided.

Growth & Dimensions

Height 10 - 25 cm
Width 15 - 30 cm
Growth Rate Moderate
Care Level Easy
Lifespan Perennial

Ideal Environment

Temperature -20°C - 30°C
Sunlight Hours 6 - 8 hrs/day
Sun Exposure Full sun
Soil pH 6 - 7.5
Watering Interval 10 - 20 days
Humidity 40.00% - 70.00%
USDA Zone 4 - 9

Temperate Europe and Asia

Climate: Thrives in temperate regions featuring distinct seasonal changes, warm summers, and cold winters that trigger the natural dormancy and blooming cycles.

Soils: Loam Chalk Sand
Annual Rainfall: 600 - 1200 mm

Native Regions

Europe
Western Asia
North Africa

How to Care for Colchicum

How should I handle sunlight requirements?

Plant your Colchicum corms in a location that receives full sun to partial shade for optimal flowering performance. While they can tolerate light afternoon shade in hotter climates, ensuring they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight will encourage vigorous growth and rich autumn blooms year after year.

How should I handle watering guidelines?

Colchicum plants require moderate moisture during their active growing season in spring when foliage is present. Allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions, and significantly reduce watering during the summer dormancy period and autumn flowering phase to prevent any risk of corm rot.

How to Propagate Colchicum

How to propagate Colchicum by division?

Propagating Colchicum is most successfully achieved by lifting and dividing the established corms during their summer dormancy period. Carefully dig up the clumps after the spring foliage has completely withered away. Separate the newly formed offsets or cormlets from the primary mother corm, making sure each division retains a portion of the basal plate. Replant these separated corms immediately into well-prepared soil at a depth of approximately 10 to 15 centimeters, spacing them suitably apart to allow for future expansion and gorgeous autumn floral displays.

Common Diseases & Pests of Colchicum

What is Corm Rot and how is it treated?

Fungal
Symptoms:

Corm rot typically manifests as stunted foliage, yellowing leaves that die back prematurely, and a soft, mushy texture when examining the subterranean corm. The plant will easily pull out of the ground, and the root system will be heavily decayed.

Treatment:

Immediately remove and discard severely infected corms along with surrounding contaminated soil to prevent the spread of fungal pathogens to neighboring healthy plants in your garden bed.

Prevention:

Prevent corm rot by ensuring your planting site features exceptionally well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering, especially during the summer dormancy period when the corms are resting underground.

Properties & Benefits of Colchicum

Bears Fruit

Key Nutrients / Compounds

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Colchicum is a fascinating genus of perennial cormous plants belonging to the family Colchicaceae. Commonly known as autumn crocus or meadow saffron, they are famous for producing their delicate, goblet-shaped flowers in the autumn without any leaves present. The lush, broad green foliage emerges the following spring, eventually dying back before the blooming cycle repeats in late summer or autumn. While highly prized in ornamental horticulture for bringing vibrant color to the garden when most other flowers are fading, every part of the plant is exceptionally toxic due to the presence of colchicine, requiring careful handling and placement away from children and grazing animals.

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