Crocus nudiflorus

Physical Characteristics

Crocus nudiflorus is a CORM growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, butterflies. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

S. Europe - S.W. France to N.E. Spain.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Lawn; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Colouring Condiment Tea This species has been used as a saffron substitute[200]. The following notes are for the genuine saffron, C. sativus:- The flower styles are used as a flavouring and yellow colouring for various foods such as bread, soups, sauces, rice and puddings[2, 4, 7, 14, 21, 27, 34, 183]. Extremely rich in riboflavin[137]. Water soluble[171]. Yields per plant are extremely low, about 4000 stigmas yield 25g of saffron[89]. Saffron is the world's most expensive spice, it takes 150,000 flowers and 400 hours work to produce 1 kilo of dried saffron[238]. About 25 kilos of styles can be harvested from a hectare of the plant[4]. The flower styles are used as a tea substitute[183].

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Antispasmodic Aphrodisiac Appetizer Carminative Diaphoretic Emmenagogue Expectorant Sedative This species has been used as a saffron substitute[200]. The following notes are for the genuine saffron, C. sativus:- Saffron is a famous medicinal herb with a long history of effective use[4, 7]. The flower styles and stigmas are the parts used, but since these are very small and fiddly to harvest they are very expensive and consequently often adulterated by lesser products[7]. They are anodyne, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, appetizer, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, sedative and stimulant[4, 7, 21, 174, 176, 218]. They are used as a diaphoretic for children and to treat chronic haemorrhages in the uterus of adults[4]. A dental analgesic is obtained from the stigmas[7]. The styles are harvested in the autumn when the plant is in flower and are dried for later use[4], they do not store well and should be used within 12 months[238]. This remedy should be used with caution[21], large doses can be narcotic[240] and quantities of 10g or more can cause an abortion[218].

Known Hazards

The following reports are for C. sativus. They quite possibly also apply to this species. The plant is poisonous[21]. The plant is perfectly safe in normal usage but 5 - 10 grams of saffron has been known to cause death[65].