Wild, or "Species" Crocus
30 March
30 March
Wild Crocus - first appearance
A brief extra newsletter to celebrate the appearance this morning of specimens of the “species” crocus … also known as “botanical” crocus, or sometimes “snow” crocus. There are several species of wild crocus in different colours but all sharing common features. Crocus flavus for example being a bright yellow. This one may be the Woodland Crocus (Crocus tommasinianus) which was named after the botanist Muzio G. Spirito de Tommasini(1794–1879)
They are distinct from the many horticultural hybrid crocus plants that are more commonly grown being the several wild, naturally occurring species in the genus Crocus (family Iridaceae). They are always the first crocus to appear as the snows depart, with noticeably small flowers of no more than 1 inch across. Typically they are always low to the ground. They are well adapted to local conditions and support native pollinator communities more effectively than the heavily bred hybrids which, while impressive, represent a narrower genetic base and do not perform as reliably in wilder settings.
One great benefit, according to the Chicago Botanic Garden, is that they are valued for naturalizing and are notably squirrel-resistant!
