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Sieber's crocus

Scientific Name: Crocus sieberi

Family: Iridaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Sieber's Crocus (Crocus sieberi)

Sieber's Crocus, scientifically known as Crocus sieberi, is a charming perennial bulb admired for its early spring blooms. It's a delightful addition to gardens and naturalized areas, offering a splash of color as the weather warms.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions the plant grows from a corm.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions the plant grows from a corm.

Common Names

  • Sieber's Crocus
  • Cretan Crocus
  • Snow Crocus (also used for Crocus chrysanthus)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Crocus sieberi J. Gay
  • Family: Iridaceae
  • Kingdom: (Implied, likely Plantae)
  • Rank: Species
  • Group: Monocot
  • Synonyms:
    • Crocus sibiricus (mentioned as syn C sibiricus)
    • Crocus sieberianus (mentioned as syn C sieberianus)
  • Taxonomic Rank:
    • Class: Monocotyledoneae
    • Order: Liliales

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Greece and parts of the southern Balkans.
  • Specifically mentioned in Crete, Greece.
  • An endemic subspecies of Cretan mountains is found at altitudes ranging from 1000m.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Dwarf, deciduous perennial.
  • Grows from a corm.
  • Flowers in February and March.
  • Flower color is typically lilac.
  • Some subspecies, like 'Tricolor', feature lavender goblet-shaped flowers with a white base to the petals and yellow throats.
  • Prefers full sun and gritty, poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil.
  • Average growth rate.

Quirky Facts

  • The corms of Crocus sieberi are reportedly edible, tasting like hazelnuts, and are consumed raw by mountain shepherds in Greece.

Subspecies and Cultivars

  • Crocus sieberi subsp. atticus
  • Crocus sieberi subsp. sublimis 'Tricolor'
  • Cultivars mentioned: 'Firefly', 'Violet Queen', 'Bowles White', 'Tricolor', 'Hubert Edelsten'

Ecological Role

  • Good for naturalizing between grass.
  • Blooms just as the snow melts.

Further Information

  • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society): https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/4937/Crocus-sie
  • Kew: http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/plant
  • Discover Life (for natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Crocus)
  • Natural History Museum of Crete, University of Crete