Crocus species
Common name: Crocus, pl. crocuses
Crocus is a corm in the Iris Family and is one of the first plants to bloom in late winter and early spring (although there are also fall-blooming species). Flower colours are mainly white, yellow, orange, or purple. They die back after blooming. We have thousands planted around the Garden, and some are naturalized in the grass, especially around the Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea' across from the Formal Rose Garden.
Saffron comes from C. sativus, which is planted in the Sino-Himalayan Garden. More information.
Crocus-lovers are called 'croconuts.'
Photos: The light-purple-striped crocus with the long, red stigma is C. sativus, taken by KENPEI, via Wikipedia. The other photos are by Diane Lake taken in the Garden.