A species widespread in Europe (including some places in England and Ireland), this has a succession of pink or white 'crocus' flowers, sometimes as many as eight or ten, long and slender, providing autumn interest (one or two flower in spring) over a surprisingly long time. The foliage appears later, at its peak in spring, and disappearing by mid summer.

Colchicum autumnale 'Album' is the white-flowered form.