''Crocus vernus'' (spring crocus, giant crocus) is a

species A species () is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate sexes or mating types can produce fertile offspring, typically by sexual reproduction. It is the basic unit of Taxonomy (biology), ...

in Family Iridaceae, native to the

Alps The Alps () are some of the highest and most extensive mountain ranges in Europe, stretching approximately across eight Alpine countries (from west to east): Monaco, France, Switzerland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Germany, Austria and Slovenia. ...

, the Pyrenees, and the

Balkans The Balkans ( , ), corresponding partially with the Balkan Peninsula, is a geographical area in southeastern Europe with various geographical and historical definitions. The region takes its name from the Balkan Mountains that stretch throug ...

. Its cultivars and those of '' Crocus flavus'' (Dutch crocus) are used as

ornamental plant Ornamental plants or ''garden plants'' are plants that are primarily grown for their beauty but also for qualities such as scent or how they shape physical space. Many flowering plants and garden varieties tend to be specially bred cultivars th ...

s. 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 In Taxonomy (biology), taxonomy, binomial nomenclature ("two-term naming system"), also called binary nomenclature, is a formal system of naming species of living things by giving each a name composed of two parts, both of which use Latin gramm ...

''vernus'' refers to both 'vernal' (spring) and 'crocus'.Dr. Peter Jarvis

Habitat

Within Britain, it can be found in

grassland A grassland is an area where the vegetation is dominance (ecology), dominated by grasses (Poaceae). However, sedge (Cyperaceae) and rush (Juncaceae) can also be found along with variable proportions of legumes such as clover, and other Herbaceo ...

s, including churchyards and roadside verges. Inkpen crocus field

Cultivars

* 'Flower Record' (Blue) * 'Grand Maitre' (blue) * 'Jeanne d'Arc' (Glistening white with an interior, dark purple base) * 'Pickwick' (violet mauve, striped) * 'Purpurea Grandiflora' (deep purple) * 'Queen of Blues' (Ageratum-blue with paler margins and a dark base) * 'Remembrance' (dark blue and purple) * 'Silver Coral' (White, purple base) * '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

File:Crocus vernalis.jpg, A ''Crocus vernus'' Cultivar File:Crocus group.jpg, Purple and white ''Crocus vernus'' File:Purple Garden Flower2.jpg File:Crocus vernus bgiu.jpg, Close up of the flower. File:Purple and white crocus vernus.jpg, Purple and white ''crocus vernus''.

References

External links

Gardening:''Crocus vernus''
vernus Garden plants Flora of Europe Plants described in 1753 Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus {{Iridaceae-stub