Looks like a crocus, but can't be

[vole-woman]

Can anyone ID this flower found in n Shropshire woodland today? I thought it might be some kind of anemone, but can't find it on Google.

[Billabong Karen]

Looks like autumn crocus, Colchicum autumnale.

[vole-woman]

That makes sense! I didn't know you could get crocuses in autumn. And are they wild or garden flowers?

[Billabong Karen]

Well, if I'm right (which I may not be, not really an expert) I think it is not a true crocus, and that it is indeed wild and native to the UK, though I think protected.

I'm sure someone else with more competence than me will be able to confirm or deny this...

[Dorts]

It is Autumn Crocus - Crocus nudiflora, long naturalised and thought to have been introduced by medieval monks.
Locally common and naturalised in S Lancs, and W Yorkshire. Probably a garden escape elswhere.
Dorts.

[Hedera]

It is Autumn crocus - Crocus nudiflorus. The leaves come up after the flowers are over, and are very large. Possibly garden escape.

[Jim Ford]

I've heard them referred to as 'Naked Ladies'!

Jim

[Dorts]

Originally Posted by Hedera

It is Autumn crocus - Crocus nudiflorus. The leaves come up after the flowers are over, and are very large. Possibly garden escape.

Yes youre right Hedera, Crocus nudiflorus. (I just noticed I'd put the wrong latin name down, that of Meadow Saffron.)
Dorts.

[vole-woman]

Thank you! Was stunning, anyway.