26-9-2023 REVILLA, ARAGON - FALSE MEADOW SAFFRON (Colchicum montanum)

 Colchicum autumnale, commonly known as autumn crocus, meadow saffron, naked boys or naked ladies, is a toxic autumn-blooming flowering plant that resembles the true crocuses, but is a member of the plant family Colchicaceae, unlike the true crocuses, which belong to the family Iridaceae. It is called "naked boys/ladies" because the flowers emerge from the ground long before the leaves appear. Despite the vernacular name of "meadow saffron", this plant is not the source of saffron, which is obtained from the saffron crocus, Crocus sativus – and that plant, too, is sometimes called "autumn crocus".

The species is cultivated as an ornamental in temperate areas, in spite of its toxicity. The cultivar 'Nancy Lindsay' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.

Colchicum plants are deadly poisonous due to their colchicine content and have been mistaken by foragers for Allium ursinum (ramsons or wild garlic), which they vaguely resemble.

This plant (and colchicine itself) poses a particular threat to felines. The corms of meadow saffron contain the highest level of toxins, but all parts of the plant are regarded as poisonous.

2-9-2020 SIERRA DE ALBARRACIN, ARAGON - FALSE MEADOW SAFFRON (Colchicum montanum)

False Meadow Saffron (Colchicum autumnale) is a highly toxic, autumn-blooming plant often confused with true, edible saffron (Crocus sativus). While it produces pink, crocus-like flowers, it is a member of the Colchicaceae family and contains poisonous colchicine, which can be fatal if ingested. Key features include flowers appearing without leaves ("naked ladies") in autumn and strap-like leaves in spring. 

Key Facts About False Meadow Saffron (Colchicum autumnale):

Highly Toxic: All parts of the plant, especially the seeds, are dangerous if eaten due to the compound colchicine.

Appearance: Known as "naked ladies" or "naked boys" because the pink flowers emerge in autumn without any leaves.

Distinction from True Saffron: Unlike true saffron, it is not used for cooking and should not be mistaken for it.

Foliage: Leaves emerge in the spring, which can be mistakenly gathered as wild greens like Ramsons.

Habitat: Commonly found in damp hay meadows and gardens.

Medicinal Context: Colchicine, derived from the plant, has been used in medicine but is highly toxic in larger quantities. 

Differences from True Saffron:

True Saffron: Crocus sativus (Iridaceae family), stigmas are harvested for culinary spice.

False Saffron: Colchicum autumnale (Colchicaceae family), highly poisonous. 

25-9-2019 EL OSO, AVILA - FALSE MEADOW SAFFRON (Colchicum montanum)

False meadow saffron is an autumnal crocus adored for its thin, pointy purple petals with striking white centers and yellow filaments. The plant's leaves, seeds, and underground storage organ are poisonous. Despite this, false meadow saffron is a popular ornamental plant, often featuring in garden displays.

False meadow saffron is a perennial herb.

False meadow saffron is a plant native to the mountainous regions of Southwestern Europe. Over time, it has maintained its presence within its indigenous range, without notable introduction to regions beyond its original habitat. The essence of false meadow saffron's distribution remains tightly bound to this specific and confined locale, without significant cultivation or naturalization elsewhere. False Meadow saffron blooms in autumn.