Scientific Name
Colchicum spp.
Common Name
Autumn crocus, meadow saffron, naked ladies

HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

Characteristics

Family
Liliaceae
Plant Description
Perennial herb with basal, slender leaves; flowers long- tubular, 6-parted, purple-pink to white, flowering in autumn.
Origin
Eurasia, Africa.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape; landscape in flower garden, lawn as herbaceous perennial.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
All parts.
Symptoms
Cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, increased blood pressure, respiratory failure.
Toxic Principle
Alkaloid colchicine.
Severity
HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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