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Description
Colchicum Autumnale is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Colchicaceae. It is also commonly known as autumn crocus, naked lady, and meadow saffron. This plant is native to Europe and Asia, and it is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is a poisonous plant with alkaloids that can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms and even death if ingested in large amounts.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Colchicaceae |
| Genus | Colchicum |
Appearance
Colchicum Autumnale grows up to 20-30 cm in height and has a bulbous underground stem. Its leaves are lance-shaped, up to 20 cm long, and appear in spring but die back by summer. The flowers appear in autumn, without any leaves, and are pink, lilac, or white in color. The flowers are funnel-shaped with six petals, up to 10 cm long, and have a central tube. The fruit is a capsule that contains several seeds.
Care Guide
Colchicum Autumnale prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate cold temperatures and drought. Here’s a care guide for this plant:- Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in spring with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Use well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Place the plant in full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Colchicum Autumnale grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Colchicum Autumnale is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:- Aphids: These insects suck the sap from the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves.- Snails and slugs: These pests can eat the leaves and flowers of the plant.- Gray mold: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on leaves and flowers and can lead to rotting of the plant.- Root rot: This disease can occur if the soil is waterlogged and can cause the plant to wilt and die.
Habitat
Colchicum Autumnale is native to Europe and Asia and grows in meadows, woods, and along riverbanks. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate cold temperatures and drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Colchicum Autumnale a poisonous plant?
A: Yes, it is a poisonous plant with alkaloids that can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms and even death if ingested in large amounts.
Q: When does Colchicum Autumnale flower?
A: It flowers in autumn, without any leaves.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Colchicum Autumnale?
A: It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-9.
Q: How often should I water Colchicum Autumnale?
A: Water the plant regularly during the growing season and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.
Related Plants
– Colchicum speciosum- Colchicum cilicicum- Colchicum montanum- Colchicum triphyllum- Colchicum hungaricum
References
– “Colchicum autumnale.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280548- “Colchicum autumnale.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/24257/Colchicum-autumnale/Details- “Colchicum autumnale.” Plant Heritage. https://www.plantheritage.org.uk/national-plant-collections/search-the-national-plant-collections/collection/1/colchicum-autumnale/
