Woodland Crocus Crocus tommasinianus
ABOUT
Crocus tommasinianus, commonly known as the early crocus or woodland crocus, is a flowering plant with a striking and elegant appearance. The plant displays a delicate ensemble of slender, grass-like leaves that are often silvery-green in color and may show a central stripe that runs their length. These leaves remain fairly inconspicuous as they provide a subtle backdrop to the main attraction: the flowers. The blooms of the early crocus are a captivating sight, typically emerging in late winter to early spring. Each flower, borne on a slender stem, consists of a narrow, tubular base that flares open into a star-like formation. The petals, usually numbering six, are exquisitely shaped; their tips slightly flare outwards, revealing their full beauty and intricate detailing. Color is one of the most notable features of the early crocus's flowers. They frequently appear in a variety of soft to deep shades of purple, often with a silken sheen that glimmers in the light. Sometimes, the petals may boast delicate veining or lighter throats, adding to their ornamental charm. In some instances, the early crocus can also display blooms of softer hues, such as lilac, mauve, or occasionally a pure, snowy white. As the flowers of the early crocus open, their center reveals bright and contrasting stamens, which can be a vivid orange or yellow, creating an appealing visual contrast against the petals. Nestled at the center, the stigmas may also be visible, often emerging in a darker hue that accentuates the depth of color in the blooms. The plant is known for its ability to naturalize in a garden setting, often creating carpets of color that herald the end of winter and the coming of spring. When in full bloom, the early crocus exudes a charm that is both simple and enchanting, making it a favorite among gardeners and a herald of changing seasons.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Early Crocus, Tommasini's Crocus, Woodland Crocus
Common names
Crocus tommasinianus.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as woodland crocus is not known to be highly toxic to humans. However, it's important to note that many plants in the Crocus genus contain compounds that can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. While Crocus tommasinianus is not typically associated with severe toxicity, ingestion can potentially cause mild stomach upset. It is still advisable to avoid eating any parts of the plant and to keep it out of reach of children who might accidentally ingest it.
To pets
Woodland crocus is not specifically listed as highly toxic to pets, but caution should still be exercised. Many species within the Crocus genus can be harmful to animals if ingested. For instance, autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale), which is often confused with woodland crocus, is highly toxic and can cause severe symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory failure, and even death. Although not as toxic as the autumn crocus, it is still prudent to monitor pets and prevent them from ingesting parts of the woodland crocus to avoid the risk of gastrointestinal upset or other potential health issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lilac
Height
4 inches [10 cm]
Spread
3 inches [7.5 cm]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Balkans
Benefits
General Benefits- Early Spring Bloom: Crocus tommasinianus heralds the coming of spring with its early blooms, often popping through snow-covered grounds.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers provide an early food source for bees and other pollinators when few other plants are in bloom.
- Landscape Color: The plant adds vibrant purple, lilac, or mauve hues to the garden during a season when most other plants have yet to flower.
- Naturalizes Easily: The corms can multiply and spread over time, creating natural drifts of color with little additional effort.
- Deer Resistant: Typically, these plants are not favored by deer, making them a suitable option in areas where deer browse is a problem.
- Versatility: Suitable for planting in rock gardens, borders, woodland gardens, and lawns for scattered color.
- Low Height: Their short stature, usually around 3-4 inches, makes them ideal for ground cover under taller plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crocus tommasinianus, commonly known as "Tommie crocus," can provide natural coloring agents. The corms and flowers may be used to extract dyes for fabrics.
- The stigmas of the flowers, while not commercially viable like Crocus sativus (saffron), can be used in small, home-scale experiments to create a light coloring and flavoring agent for cooking.
- The dried flowers of the Tommie crocus can be incorporated into potpourri mixes to add spring-like colors and subtle scents to a room.
- Ink production can utilize the pigments from the Tommie crocus flowers for natural inks used in art or craft projects.
- Crocus tommasinianus can be used as a natural pest deterrent. Planting them in a garden may help repel rodents such as voles and squirrels that dislike their taste.
- The plant's corms can be an educational material for botany studies with regards to geophytes and their propagation methods.
- Photography enthusiasts may use the Tommie crocus as a subject for practicing macro photography due to their intricate petal structure and bright colors.
- Gardeners might use the plant for interspecific hybridization experiments with other Crocus species to create new ornamental varieties.
- The vivid colors of Crocus tommasinianus make them useful for accentuating borders in landscaping designs, providing a contrasting hue against green lawns.
- Hobbyists who practice the art of flower pressing may include the Tommie crocus in their repertoire for creating delicate, pressed-flower arrangements.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Early Crocus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Early Crocus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: The Crocus tommasinianus, commonly known as the early crocus, often blooms at the end of winter, signifying the coming of spring and instilling a sense of hope for warmer, brighter days.
- Youthfulness: With its early bloom and delicate appearance, the early crocus symbolizes youth and gaiety, representing the cheerfulness and innocence of young people.
- Cheerfulness: The bright and vibrant colors of the early crocus bring joy and cheer, especially after long, dark winters, symbolizing happiness and positivity.
- Purity: Because of its bright and clear colors, the early crocus often stands for purity and is associated with innocence and cleanliness.
- Rebirth: As one of the first flowers to emerge after the winter, the early crocus symbolizes rebirth, resurrection, and new beginnings.
WaterWater your Early Crocus (Crocus tommasinianus) sparingly; these plants are relatively drought-tolerant once established. During the blooming period in late winter to early spring, water them once a week if there has been no rainfall, providing about an inch of water each time. Always allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent bulb rot. After the foliage has died back in late spring, you can cease watering altogether as the plant enters dormancy.
LightEarly Crocus prefers full sun to partial shade conditions. A spot that receives direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day is ideal. They can also thrive under the light shade of deciduous trees, where they receive sun in the spring before the trees fully leaf out.
TemperatureEarly Crocus thrives in a temperature range typical of its bloom time in late winter to early spring. It can survive winter temperatures well below freezing and is hardy in temperatures as low as -20°F. The ideal temperature for encouraging growth and flowering is between 35°F and 65°F.
PruningPruning of Early Crocus is mainly limited to deadheading spent flowers to encourage bulb strength. Remove the flower heads after blooming but leave the foliage in place until it dies back naturally. Proper cleanup of foliage should occur in late spring when it has yellowed and withered.
CleaningAs needed
SoilEarly Crocus (Crocus tommasinianus) thrives in well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH of 6.0 to 8.0. The ideal soil mix should be a combination of loamy soil, sand, and compost to ensure good drainage and fertility. Adding a small amount of bone meal to the mix can promote healthy bulb growth and blooming.
RepottingEarly Crocuses typically do not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. They should be repotted or divided every 4 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and to maintain vigor. The best time for repotting or dividing is after foliage has died back and the bulbs are dormant.
Humidity & MistingEarly Crocus prefers outdoor conditions where it can receive fresh air and natural humidity levels. Ideal humidity is not critical for this plant, as it is quite adaptable, but average air moisture similar to its natural meadow habitat is suitable.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and cool temperatures for Early Crocus.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleCrocus tommasinianus, commonly known as the Woodland crocus or Early crocus, starts its life cycle as a corm, which is a bulb-like storage organ. In autumn, roots develop from the base of the corm, absorbing nutrients and anchoring the plant. Leaves and flowers emerge in late winter to early spring, with the crocus blooming with lilac or purple flowers which close at night or during bad weather. After flowering, the plant undergoes photosynthesis for a period of time to gather energy, which it stores in the corm. Once the foliage dies back in late spring, the corm enters a period of dormancy throughout the summer. During dormancy, the old corm may produce one or more new corms on top of it, thereby continuing the cycle to the next generation.
PropogationPropogation time
Autumn
The most popular method of propagating Crocus tommasinianus, commonly known as the Early Crocus, is through corm division. Corms are underground storage organs that contain the plant's food and can develop into new plants. The best time to propagate Early Crocus by dividing corms is in the late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back but before the ground freezes. When dividing corms, you should carefully lift the plant from the soil and gently separate the small daughter corms from the base of the mother corm. These daughter corms can then be replanted immediately at a depth of approximately 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 centimeters) and spaced about 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) apart in well-drained soil with good sunlight exposure. The new corms will usually flower in the following spring.
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