Autumn Crocus
Colchicum autumnale · Colchicaceae
How it looks
The Autumn Crocus (Colchicum) is a bulb plant whose pink to purple cup-shaped flowers rise directly from the ground without leaves in autumn. The six petals spread out long to the sides, resembling a true crocus. The leaves come up in spring after the flowers fade, in a long, narrow form.
Deadly — colchicine
All parts of Autumn Crocus (Autumn Crocus), especially the bulb, contain colchicine; ingestion can lead to vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, and kidney failure.
Guide for parents
This is a different plant from the true spring-blooming crocus (Crocus). It flowers in autumn and carries toxic colchicine. The bulb is the most dangerous part — when repotting, make sure your cat can't chew a bulb exposed in the soil. The leaves and flowers are dangerous too. If you suspect ingestion, go to a 24-hour animal hospital immediately. Colchicine poisoning follows a pattern where multi-organ damage emerges only 24–48 hours after the initial symptoms.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 6–24 hours after ingestion (symptoms may be delayed)
- Symptoms
- Oral burning, vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney failure
- Action
- Go to a 24-hour animal hospital immediately. Don't wait, even if there are no symptoms.
Details
- Scientific name
- Colchicum autumnale
- Common name
- Autumn Crocus
- Family
- Colchicaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts (especially the bulbs)
- Compounds
- Colchicine
- Source
- ASPCA
