Crocus longiflorus

Crocus longiflorus, the long-flowered crocus,^[1] is a species of flowering plant in the genus Crocus of the family Iridaceae, found in Southwest Italy, Sicilia, and Malta.^[2]

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.

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.^[3]

In cultivation in the UK, this plant is a recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.^[1]