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showy colchicum

Scientific Name: Colchicum speciosum

Family: Liliaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Colchicum speciosum: Showy Colchicum

Colchicum speciosum, also known as Showy Colchicum, is a captivating autumn-blooming plant cherished for its tulip-like flowers and ease of cultivation. It's a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add late-season color to their landscapes.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is commonly known as "Naked Ladies," indicating the leaves emerge at a different time than the flowers. This separation might make it harder to identify the plant at all stages, potentially increasing the risk of accidental exposure for pets.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant is commonly known as "Naked Ladies," which may be a point of interest or amusement for children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Colchicum speciosum Steven
  • Common Names: Showy Colchicum, Autumn Crocus, Meadow Saffron, Naked Ladies, Giant Meadow-Saffron
  • Family: Colchicaceae (sometimes also referred to as Liliaceae, the Lily family)
  • Genus: Colchicum
  • Species: speciosum
  • Synonym: Colchicum bornmuelleri Freyn

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Northern Turkey, Iran, and the Caucasus Mountains.
  • Also found in American gardens.
  • Successfully cultivated in locations such as Bergius Botanic Garden in Stockholm, Sweden.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Grows from corms (underground storage organs similar to bulbs).
  • Bloom Time: August to September.
  • Bloom Color: Rose-pink (double). Flower color also reported in lilac and white variations.
  • Flower Size: Large.
  • Fragrance: No fragrance.
  • Plant Height: 5-30 cm.
  • Stem Type: Erect.
  • Requires medium watering.
  • Prefers full sun to part shade.

Quirky Facts

  • The plant's common name, "Naked Ladies," alludes to the unusual timing of its growth cycle, where the flowers emerge in autumn without leaves, followed by the leaves in the spring.
  • Colchicum speciosum should not be confused with the true saffron crocus (Crocus sativus), which has edible stamens, while Colchicum stamens are not safe to eat.
  • Mentioned as a "showy, durable, unimpeachable ornamental".
  • Some varieties, like 'Waterlily', bear showy mauve pink double flowers.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The plant's isoquinoline alkaloids have shown cholinergic activity.

Further Information

  • USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)
  • TSN 810189 L.