Crocus L. [Iridaceae]
Crocus L. common in Japan
About 80 species in the wordl. All species in Japan are introduced for gardening
Life form: perennial herb
Habitat (in native regions): woodlands, scurbs, and meadows from seashore to alpine
Cultivars: many
C. chrysanthus Herb. (カンザキクロッカス, golden crocus)
C. flavus West (キバナサフラン, yellow crocus / Dutch yellow crocus)
C. sativus L. (サフラン/薬用サフラン, saffron, or saffron crocus): the Mediterranean
C. sieberi (L.) J. Gay (Sieber's crocus)
C. vernus Hill (ハナサフラン, Spring crocus / Giant Dutch crocus)
Crocus chrysanthus cv. in Sapporo
Kanzakikurokkasu (カンザキクロッカス, 寒咲-)
Distribution: native to Balkans and Turkey
[Left] flowers appearing on litter. [Center] close-up of a flower. [Left/Center] Probably escaped from a garden, N21/W2, West Ward, Sapporo, on April 6 2011. [Right] ***. In front of GSEES Building on April 6 2011.
Crocus vernus cv. in Hokkaido University Campus
Hanasafuran (or Kurokkasu) (ハナサフラン/クロッカス)
Distribution: native to eastern Europe
[Left] It is not a garden. Just grows with lawn grasses. [Center/Right] Close-up. In front of GSEES Building on April 6 2009.