Serotinus Crocus (Crocus serotinus)

Family: Iridaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Crocus serotinus is a CORM growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from November to May, in flower from November to December. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, butterflies. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring food and colouring it yellow. — The flowers are used as a saffron substitute in flavouring food and colouring it yellow.

Habitat & North American Range

Stony slopes in scrub and open pine woods. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)