Colchicum luteum aka Indian Colchicum

Colchicum luteum is a small perennial in the Colchicaceae family. Its native range spans eastern Afghanistan, Central Asia, and the western Himalaya. Records include Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, India, and Pakistan. It grows on high slopes and in alpine meadows. These sites may have stony ground or deeper earth. Kew describes it as a temperate plant with underground storage organs. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This plant forms a small tuft and loses its leaves seasonally. The RHS lists a garden height of about 0.33 feet [0.1 metres]. Its spread reaches about 0.33 feet [0.1 metres] too. The flower description gives a slightly greater height, reaching 0.39 feet [0.12 metres]. Bright yellow flowers appear in summer, according to the RHS. Firm, green, strap-shaped leaves emerge at the same time. The leaves and flowers thus share the growing season. The plant grows from a corm, which stores food below ground.

Give it full sun and soil that holds moisture but drains well. The RHS accepts clay, loam, sand, and chalk-based soils. It also lists acid, neutral, and alkaline ground as suitable. Sites may face any direction, provided they offer enough light. Both sheltered and exposed positions suit its listed growing needs. The RHS gives it an H7 hardiness rating. PFAF lists USDA zones 6–9. The RHS puts the time to full size at two to five years.

Its small size suits beds, borders, and gravel gardens. The RHS also suggests cottage gardens and wildlife gardens. It lists planting beneath roses and shrubs as another use. Wall-side borders offer a further planting option. Raise new plants from seed or divide existing plants. No pruning is needed. The RHS reports few usual pest or disease problems. These reports do not mean that problems can never occur.

Do not eat any part of this plant. PFAF records no edible uses and warns of potentially fatal poisoning. Eating it can cause vomiting and severe gut inflammation. The RHS also warns that it poisons pets. Corm contact may trigger skin allergies, so wear gloves when handling them. PFAF records medicinal use of the corms in India. They contain colchicine, a toxic alkaloid. These records do not make the plant safe for home treatment.