Appearing in tandem with Sternbergia lutea, Colchicum autumnale is another late-season bloomer commonly described as a crocus. Also called Fall Saffron, Meadow Saffron, and Naked Ladies, C. autumnale is a member of the Lily family that bears tulip-like purple flowers on seven-inch stalks in late summer to early fall. Although it is a welcome coloful addition to the autumn garden, Colchicum has also been identified by some researchers as an irritant and a highly poisonous plant.