Crocus longiflorus
| Crocus longiflorus | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Genus: | Crocus |
| Species: | C. longiflorus |
| Binomial name | |
| Crocus longiflorus Raf. | |
Crocus longiflorus, the long-flowered crocus, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Crocus of the family Iridaceae, found in Southwest Italy, Sicilia, and Malta.
Growing to 10 cm (3.9 in) tall, it is a cormous perennial. It produces pale lilac or purple blooms in autumn, along with the sword-shaped leaves.
In the 19th century, Crocus longiflorus stigmas were harvested from the wild and used for saffron in Sicily.
In cultivation in the UK, this plant is a recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.