Autumn Crocus (White)

Colchicum autumnale alba

Welsh: Saffrwm y Gweunydd

Flowering in September with beautiful pure white blooms, the lush foliage follows in the spring and for this reason it is also called “Naked Ladies”. Both “Autumn Crocus” and the other common name “Meadow Saffron” are equally misleading as this is neither a Crocus nor produces saffron. Naturally occurring stands in moist meadows in Southern Britain are nowadays a treasure, but it used to be vigorously discouraged in grazing meadows being poisonous to livestock.