The plant has been prized since antiquity for the yellow-colored dyestuff that comes from the flower stigmas. Also known as saffron crocus, the species is principally grown in Spain, but is also cultivated in Greece, Turkey, India, France, Italy, and the People's Republic of China. The low-growing, cormous plant, whose linear upright leaves reach heights of 0.15 to 0.3 meters, has fragrant flowers. Planted from early spring to autumn from corms, the plants can remain undisturbed for three to five years before they need to be divided. Blossoming lasts only a few weeks, and flowers must be collected daily as they open in order to remove the stigmas.
Extracted saffron is a red-orange color, and has an aromatic odor and a bitter taste.
Autumn or meadow crocus, Colchicum autumnale L., is a poisonous plant not related to saffron. Fake or American saffron actually refers to safflower, Carthamus tinctorius L., whose flower heads yield a dye used as an adulterant to true saffron.