Leafless Crocus
The leafless crocus (Crocus nudiflorus) is autumn-blooming and recognisable by its large, deep purple petals and highly branched, bright orange-yellow centre. True to its name, its vibrant flowers emerge straight out of the grass entirely on their own before its leaves appear later in the winter or spring.
Not native to the UK—thought to originally hail from the Pyrenees region of France and Spain—it was introduced by mediaeval monks prior to 1500 for medicinal cultivation.
Today, it is a scarce and highly localised wild plant across Great Britain. However, it can be locally abundant in its historic strongholds within the Midlands. In this case on St Mary’s Lands.
I found three significant patches today 7th October 2026. (Thanks Mari)
