Also known as Meadow Saffron, Naked Ladies, Naked Boys, Mysteria
Slender mauve blooms push bare-stemmed through grassland turf in early autumn, completely unaccompanied by green leaves. Broad strap-like foliage emerges only the following spring to nourish the underground corm before withering completely by summer. Every tissue contains potent colchicine, an alkaloid that protects the plant from grazing livestock and subterranean pests.
ThreatsAgricultural intensification, wetland drainage, herbicide use
HabitatsDamp meadows, hay pastures, deciduous woodland clearings
Life spanPerennial (decades via regenerative corms)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
FamilyColchicaceae
SpeciesColchicum autumnale
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
Low
Moderate
High
Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Contains deadly colchicine; do not ingest any plant part and keep away from pets.
Why it is dangerous
Contains colchicine, an antimitotic cellular poison that halts cell division and triggers severe gastrointestinal damage, multiorgan failure, and death.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by leafless pinkish-purple autumn flowers bearing six distinct stamens rather than the three seen in true crocuses.
What to do
Wear protective gloves if handling the plant and never harvest spring foliage in areas where it grows.
Responsible observation
Count the Stamens: Inspect flower interiors to observe six yellow anthers, distinguishing it from true three-stamened crocuses.
Avoid Foraging Confusion: Never forage spring greens in areas where this plant grows, as its toxic leaves closely resemble wild garlic.
Safe Viewing: Enjoy the late-season flowering spectacle from trail margins without picking or disturbing the stems.
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