Beware of the autumn crocus plant in Croatia
- by croatiaweek
- in News
Recently, the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS) responded to an incident involving a person who had been poisoned in Croatia by the autumn crocus plant.
After helping the person, HGSS shared some guidelines so people could learn how to identify this plant and recognise the symptoms it causes.
The autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) is a perennial herbaceous plant, growing between 20 and 45 cm in height, with green leaves and flowering from August to November, often extending longer in warmer weather.
Due to its flower, which resembles saffron, it is also known as autumn saffron, meadow saffron, or meadow crocus. Every part of the plant contains colchicine, the substance responsible for its toxicity.
Most cases of poisoning occur in the spring, during the harvest season for wild garlic (Allium ursinum), whose leaves resemble those of the autumn crocus.
Colchicum autumnale illustration (Photo: Flora von Deutschland/Public domain)
This is when accidental poisonings are most common. Poisoning symptoms typically appear in two phases: the first between 30 minutes and 12 hours after ingestion, depending on the quantity consumed, and the second between 24 and 72 hours later.
Initial symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. In the second phase, multiple organ failure can occur, affecting the heart, kidneys, liver, and respiratory system, potentially leading to death if untreated.
When foraging for wild garlic, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the appearance of the plants. Pick leaves individually, as autumn crocus leaves grow in a spiral cluster, while wild garlic leaves emerge separately from the ground.
Never pick or consume anything you’re unsure of! If any symptoms arise, always call 112 immediately, HGSS said.
