Colchicum lusitanum, commonly known as False Autumn Crocus, is a deciduous perennial herb native to open woodlands and rocky slopes in the Mediterranean Region, including Portugal and western Spain. It typically grows to a height of 0.2-0.3 feet (0.06-0.09 meters) and a width of 0.8-1 feet (0.2-0.3 meters). The plant features a rosette of lance-shaped leaves and produces showy, funnel-shaped flowers that are white with pink stripes, blooming in late summer to autumn. The flowers are particularly notable for their ability to appear seemingly overnight and for their resilience to early frosts.

False Autumn Crocus is valued for its attractive, early autumn blooms that can enliven a garden when many other plants are beginning to decline. It is often used in rock gardens, borders, and naturalized in grassy areas. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soil, although it can tolerate a range of soil types. While it requires medium amounts of water, it is important to keep the soil relatively dry during its summer dormancy to prevent bulb rot. False Autumn Crocus is generally low-maintenance but can be susceptible to slugs and snails. It is also important to note that all parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested, so caution should be exercised in gardens with pets or small children.CC BY-SA 4.0