Crocus sativus Saffron (Iridaceae)

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Crocus sativus
Saffron
(1 Page of 5)

The Crocus sativus plant species is found in S. Europe - Greece to W. Asia. It is a member of the Iridaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Saffron.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Crocus sativus
Common Name:  Saffron
Family:  Iridaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The plant is poisonous[21]. The plant is perfectly safe in normal usage but 5 - 10 grammes of saffron has been known to cause death[65].

Mature Height:  0.1   Mature Width:  0.1

Habitat:  Not known in a truly wild location[90].

General Uses: The yellow dye obtained from the stigmas has been used for many centuries to colour cloth[4, 7, 14, 21]. It is the favoured colouring for the cloth of Indian swamis who have renounced the material world. A blue or green dye is obtained from the petals[168].

For further Crocus sativus gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

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'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future