Crocus

Crocus vernus (L.) Hill

Family: Iridaceae

Spring Bulb
Early Bloomer
Deer Resistant

Pet & Human Safety

People: No hazard foundPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

Not applicable; this is an ornamental bulb.

Hazard type

No human hazard is named on the NC State genus page (no Poisonous to Humans section). No poison data was found for Crocus vernus itself. This record gives no eating advice. Autumn crocus (Colchicum) is a toxic look-alike.

Hazard route

none named by the sources used

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

No source we checked assesses this plant for pets, so the app makes no pet claim either way.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Autumn crocus / meadow saffron (Colchicum). To tell them apart: Spring crocus (Crocus) is a different genus from autumn crocus (Colchicum).. Autumn crocus is deadly. Never carry either verdict across.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 3a-8b (NC State Extension, whole-genus page).
Light: full sun to part shade
Water needs: low
Mature size: 2 to 6 inches tall and 3 to 6 inches wide (NC State Extension, whole-genus). Spacing: Plant corms in fall about 2.5 inches deep and 2 inches apart, 35 to 70 corms per square foot (NC State Extension, whole-genus).
Where it comes from: NC State gives the range for the genus Crocus: Mediterranean and eastern Europe to northwest China.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon