Early Crocus is a
non-native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in roadsides and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 10cm.
Early Crocus is called 'Early' because it flowers earlier than the Spring Crocus and Yellow Crocus. The name 'Crocus' means 'saffron' in the Chaldean language. Early Crocus is also known as 'Tommasini's Crocus' or 'Tommies' for short. Early Crocus was introduced into the UK from Eastern Europe in the nineteenth century. It features: purple petals with deep purple tips, gradually fading to white at the centre of the flower; yellow anthers and an orange style; a white flower tube; and a white central stripe to its leaves.
Botanic classification and naming: Early Crocus is a member of the Iris (Iridaceae) family. The genus name
'Crocus' identifies the plant as a Crocus, a plant in the Iris family which grows from corms and its species name 'tommasinianus' means 'named after botanist Tommasini'.
Benefits: An early food source for bees and other insects.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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