Winter crocus
Crocus hyemalis
Family: Iridaceae
What it is like
A corm plant that grows each year producing a new corm. The stems are 4-8 cm long. The leaves are in a ring at the base. They are narrow and have a white stripe down the centre. The flowers occur singly. The flower petals are white. There are 3 black stamens. The fruit is a capsule with several seeds.
There are about 80 Crocus species.
Where it is found
It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in the mountains. It is sensitive to frost. It is best in a fertile well drained soil. It needs a dry summer.
Countries/locations it is found in
Europe, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Mediterranean, Middle East, Palestine, Syria, Turkey, Türkiye
How it is used for food
The bulbs (corms) are roasted and eaten.
Edible parts
Bulb, corm, root, food colouring
How it is grown
It can be grown from seeds. Five seeds are planted together as 15 cm depth. It is best in a drier location.
It flowers after the long Israel summer.
Its other names
Local names
Aijloun, Bizazeh, Shwhaim, Za'faran