Colchicum luteum

Colchicum luteum, the only yellow-flowered species in its genus, is native to Central Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the western Himalaya and Tibet. Unlike most autumn-flowering colchicums, this corm produces its 3-4 cm funnel-shaped flowers together with the foliage, in spring; the 3 to 6 linear leaves, 10-20 cm long, develop alongside the flowers from March to June. The species is traditionally used in Unani medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties, linked to its colchicine content. Grow in well-drained soil, full sun, with a dry summer dormancy; it is reasonably winter hardy.