Colchicum autumnale, commonly known as autumn crocus or meadow saffron is a toxic autumn-blooming flowering plant belonging to the family Liliaceae. It is a perennial herb and it is commonly cultivated as an ornamental in temperate areas, in spite of its toxicity. The bulb-like corms of Colchicum autumnale contain colchicine, a drug which is used in the treatment of gout. It is also used in plant breeding to produce polyploid strains.