Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 2747567

Spring Crocus

Crocus vernus

Also known as Dutch Crocus, Giant Crocus, Purple Crocus

Spring Crocus emerges from underground corms in late winter, piercing through melting snow to display brilliant purple, white, or striped cup-shaped flowers. The blossoms open wide on bright sunny days to attract hungry queen bumblebees seeking early season nectar, then close tightly at night or during cold rain. Native to high alpine pastures, cultivated varieties have naturalized in lawns and woodlands across temperate regions.

FloweringPerennialEarly Bloomer
Spring Crocus reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Mario Zuti, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Autotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Voles
  • Mice
  • Squirrels
ThreatsOvercollection of wild specimens, habitat loss
HabitatsSubalpine meadows, pastures, open woodlands, lawns
Life spanPerennial (corms regenerate annually)
Classification
  1. FamilyIridaceae
  2. SpeciesCrocus vernus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested; observe flowers safely without consuming plant parts.
Why it is dangerous
Contains toxic alkaloids that cause severe gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for narrow, grass-like leaves featuring a silver central stripe and six-petaled purple or white blooms.
What to do
Keep planted beds or stored corms away from curious pets and small children.
Responsible observation
  • Timing: Visit patches on sunny afternoons when petals open fully in direct sunlight.
  • Garden Care: Plant corms in autumn in well-drained soil where they can naturalize undisturbed.
  • Photography: Position your camera low to the ground to catch sunlight filtering through petals.
Related species
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