Meadow Saffron
Parts Usually Used
Bulb, seeds
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Meadow saffron is a perennial plant; the large bulb is dark brown on the outside and contains a white, acrid juice. It produces several lilac or purple, crocus-like flowers in the fall, followed by smooth, narrow, dark green, basal leaves and long-elliptic seed capsules the next spring.
Where Found
Common plant found in damp meadows, marshes, roadsides, banks and woods of Europe, England, and Africa and cultivated in the United States and Canada.
Biochemical Information
Contains the poisonous alkaloid colchicine (medically used for gout and arthritis.
Legends, Myths and Stories
The botanical name of this plant recalls its connection with Colchis, where the great witch Medea practiced her herbal enchantments.
Warning
The whole plant is poisonous, and small amounts of the bulb or seeds can cause death. Not for home use under any circumstances. If used, this herb must have medical supervision.
Bibliography
The Herb Book , by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974. , Pantheon Books, Knopf Publishing Group, New York, 1994, first edition The Magic of Herbs , by David Conway, published by Jonathan Cape, Thirty Bedford Square, London, England. (Out of print) The Nature Doctor: A Manual of Traditional and Complementary Medicine , by Dr. A. , 27 Pine Street (Box 876) New Canaan, CT.
06840-0876. Copyright Verlag A. , 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023