Crocus sativus (Saffron)

Crocus sativus (Saffron) purple flower with long red stamen in a close up view.
Crocus sativus (Saffron) purple flower with vibrant red stamen emerging from sandy ground near grass.

Botanical name: Crocus sativus

Common name: Saffron

Family: Iridaceae

Origin: Southwest Asia

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 6-8

Plant type: Spice or herb
Small plant 2-5 ftPlant form: Small
Plant mature sizeMature height: 2-5 ft
Full sunSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor
Subtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short timeCold tolerance: Tolerates light freezing to about 30°F for short periods (mature plants). Young plants must be protected.
Blue, lavender, purple flowersFlower color: Blue, lavender, purple
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Fragrant plantFragrance: Fragrant; perfume plant
Ethnomedical plant. Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine

The flower has three stigmas, which are the distal ends of the plant's carpels. Together with its style, the stalk connecting the stigmas to the rest of the plant, these components are often dried and used in cooking as a seasoning and coloring agent. Saffron also has medicinal applications.


Crocus sativus (Saffron) purple flower close up with narrow green leaves, ground level plant image.
Crocus sativus (Saffron) purple flower with narrow green leaves emerging from brown soil ground surface.
Crocus sativus (Saffron) deep red threads close up on white background showing dried spice
Crocus sativus (Saffron) dried threads gathered together on white paper ready for culinary use


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/crocus_sativus.htm
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