Colchicum autumnale Autumn crocus (Colchicaceae)

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Colchicum autumnale
Autumn crocus
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The Colchicum autumnale plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Colchicaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Autumn crocus.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Colchicum autumnale
Common Name:  Autumn crocus
Family:  Colchicaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  All parts of the plant, but especially the bulb[200], are poisonous[4, 7, 10, 19, 65]. They cause vomiting, violent purging, serious inflammation of the stomach and bowels, and death[232]. Handling the corms can cause skin allergies in some people[238].

Mature Height:  0.15   Mature Width:  0.15

Habitat:  Meadows and damp woodland clearings[1, 10, 13] on calcareous and neutral soils[17]. Extremely rare away from the Bristol Channel in Britain[7].

Medicinal Information: Both the corm and the seeds are analgesic, antirheumatic, cathartic and emetic[4, 7, 13, 21, 235]. They are used mainly in the treatment of gouty and rheumatic complaints, usually accompanied with an alkaline diuretic[4]. Leukaemia has been successfully treated with autumn crocus, and the plant has also been used with some success to treat Bechet's syndrome, a chronic disease marked by recurring ulcers and leukaemia[254]. A very toxic plant, it should not be prescribed for pregnant women or patients with kidney disease, and should only be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[238]. See also the notes above on toxicity. This plant has a long history of use in the treatment of gout and rheumatism, although frequent use has been known to encourage more frequent attacks of the complaint[232]. The seeds are harvested in early summer, the corms in mid to late summer when the plant has fully died down. They are dried for later use[238]. The fresh bulb is used to make a homeopathic remedy[232]. It is used in the treatment of nausea, diarrhoea and rheumatism[232].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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