Chiba University Matsudo/Kashiwa Campus Plant Database

Details of genus: Colchicum L. [533]

genus_ja:

genus_en: Autumn crocus, Naked ladies

# spp.:

pub_year:

accepted: Accepted

Family: Colchicaceae

family_ja: イヌサフラン

Infra familial classification:

distribution_en: Europe to C.Asia

description_en: Genus of about 45 species of cormous perennials from alpine and subalpine meadows and stony hillsides in Europe, N. Africa, W. and C. Asia, N. India, and W. China. The basal, linear, strap-shaped, lance-shaped, or elliptic-ovate leaves, often ribbed or pleated, develop with or after the flowers. Conspicuous, usually goblet-shaped, sometimes fragrant flowers, with perianth tubes 1.5-7cm (1/2-3in) long, are borne in late summer, autumn, winter, or spring. Many large-flowered colchicums, with attractively tessellated flowers, bloom in autumn, mostly before the large leaves, which emerge from winter to early spring and persist until midsummer. Grow large-leaved species among deciduous shrubs; C. autumnale, C. speciosum, and several other robust species may be naturalized in turf. The smaller species are suitable for a rock garden, scree bed, raised bed, or trough. Half-hardy species, and some of those with leaves present at flowering time, are best grown in a bulb frame or alpine house to protect them from excessive summer rainfall. All parts are highly toxic if ingested and, if in contact with skin, may cause irritation.

hardiness_en: Fully hardy to half hardy.

cultivation_en:

propagation_en: Sow seed in containers in an open frame as soon as ripe. Separate corms when dormant in summer.

pests_en: Grey mould (Botrytis) and slugs may be a problem.

description_ja:

comment:

comment_ja: イヌサフラン

type_species:

Phylogenetic definition:

Update Information: Created: 2007-12-06 12:51; Updated: 2022-03-09 15:20

family: