The word crocus usually conjures images of cheerful small flowers emerging from snow and ice as the first harbinger of spring. But there are a few species of the genus Crocus, part of the iris family (Iridaceae), that bloom in the fall and other fall-blooming bulbs that have the word crocus in their common name. In the U.S., the commonly called “Autumn Crocus” is not a true crocus at all but species or hybrids of Colchicum, a group of fall-flowering bulb in the lily family (Lilaceae). Other common names for these plants include meadow saffron, naked lady and colchicum. The genus has been used medicinally but because it is quite toxic when ingested, its use is not recommended except by professionals.