Crocus nudiflorus is a species of flowering plant in the genus Crocus of the family Iridaceae. It is an autumn-flowering, dwarf, deciduous perennial found in western Europe from southwestern France to Spain. It has been cultivated since Tudor times in Great Britain, where it is now naturalized.[1]
Crocus nudiflorus grows from corms,[2] which spread out into clumps of plants by stolons.[1] Each corm usually sends out one long-tubed,[2] goblet-shaped,[1] or bell-shaped flower.[3] The bloom appears in autumn,[2] or at the end of summer.[3] The colour ranges from deep purple to lilac-purple with a paler throat and bright orange or yellow stigma.[2] [3] [1] The linear, basal leaves,[2] usually with a silvery central stripe,[1] are produced in winter and spring following the autumn flowers,[2] when the fruits appear.[3]
The Latin specific epithet nudiflorus means 'naked flower', in reference to the flower emerging before the leaves.[3] [4]
It was published and described by James Edward Smith in 'English Botany' Volume 7 on table 491 in 1798.[5]
Crocus nudiflorus is native to southwestern France and Spain.[1] [6]
It is found on roadsides, meadows and pastures.[4] [1] It often grows in pastures with other crocus species including Crocus vernus subsp. albiflorus, but it is often eaten by wild boars.[3]
It has been used in folk medicine as an anti-spasmodic, as an abortive and a sedative.[3]
In 2002, it was voted by the public as the county flower of Nottinghamshire.[4] [7]