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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Colchicum luteum is a BULB growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf from March to June, in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from April to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Plant Habitats
Cultivated Beds;
Edible Uses
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Alterative Anodyne Aphrodisiac Carminative Laxative
The corms are alterative, aphrodisiac, carminative and laxative[240]. They are used in India to treat gout, rheumatism and diseases of the liver and spleen[240]. They contain the toxic alkaloid 'colchicine' which is used externally to relieve pain[211, 240]. The dried corms contain around 0.25% colchicine and the seed about 0.4%[240].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
The following notes are for C. autumnale. Since this plant also contains colchicine it can be assumed that it has the same uses[K]. The poisonous alkaloid 'colchicine' is extracted from this plant and used to alter the genetic make-up of plants in an attempt to find new, improved varieties[148]. It works by doubling the chromosome number[89].
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Prefers a rich well-drained loam that does not dry out rapidly in summer[1]. Requires a very sunny position[90]. This species is hardy to at least -15°c[200]. Plants can take 4 - 5 years to flower when grown from seed[164]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early summer in a seed bed or a cold frame[1, 164]. Germination can be very slow, taking up to 18 months at 15°c[164]. It is best to sow the seed thinly so that it is not necessary to transplant the seedlings for their first year of growth. Apply a liquid fertilizer during their first summer, however, to ensure they get sufficient nourishment. Prick out the seedlings once they are dormant, putting perhaps 2 plants per pot, and grow them on in a greenhouse or frame for at least a couple of years. Plant them out into their permanent positions when they are dormant[K]. The seedlings take 4 - 5 years to reach flowering size[1]. Division of the bulbs in June/July when the leaves have died down[1]. Larger bulbs can be planted out direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up the smaller bulbs and grow them on in a cold frame for a year before planting them out. The plant can be divided every other year if a quick increase is required[1].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
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Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
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Botanical References
200
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