Crocus vernus ( spring crocus, giant crocus) is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae, native to the Alps, the Pyrenees, and the Balkans. Its cultivars and those of Crocus flavus (Dutch crocus) are used as . The Dutch crocuses are larger than the other cultivated crocus species (e.g., Crocus chrysanthus). Depending on the year, Crocus vernus starts flowering about the same time or up to 2 weeks after Crocus chrysanthus (snow crocus) starts flowering. Height: (10–15 cm).
Taxonomy
The Latin specific epithet
vernus refers to both 'vernal' (spring) and 'crocus'.
Habitat
Within
Great Britain, it can be found in
, including churchyards and roadside verges.
[
]
Cultivars
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'Flower Record' (Blue)
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'Grand Maitre' (blue)
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'Jeanne d'Arc' (Glistening white with an interior, dark purple base)
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'Pickwick' (violet mauve, striped)
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'Purpurea Grandiflora' (deep purple)
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'Queen of Blues' (Ageratum-blue with paler margins and a dark base)
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'Remembrance' (dark blue and purple)
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'Silver Coral' (White, purple base)
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'Vanguard' (silvery blue/violet, light purple)
Synonyms
Several other spring blooming species, among others Crocus flavus Weston (Syn. Crocus aureus), have been called 'Crocus vernus' by other authors.
== Gallery ==
External links
