What is "crocus vernus"

Crocus \Cro"cus\ (kr[=o]"k[u^]s), n. [L., saffron, fr. Gr. kro`kos; cf. Heb. kark[=o]m, Ar. kurkum, Skr. ku[.n]kuma.]

1. (Bot.) A genus of iridaceous plants, with pretty blossoms rising separately from the bulb or corm. Crocus vernus is one of the earliest of spring-blooming flowers; Crocus sativus produces the saffron, and blossoms in the autumn.

2. (Chem.) A deep yellow powder; the oxide of some metal calcined to a red or deep yellow color; esp., the oxide of iron ( Crocus of Mars or colcothar) thus produced from salts of iron, and used as a polishing powder.

   Crocus of Venus (Old Chem.), oxide of copper.

Crocus vernus (Spring Crocus, Giant Crocus) is a species in Family Iridaceae, native to the Alps, the Pyrenees, and the Balkans. Its cultivars and those of Crocus flavus (Dutch Crocus) are used as ornamental plants. The Dutch Crocusses are larger than the other cultivated crocus species (e.g., Crocus chrysanthus). Depending on the year, Crocus vernus starts flowering about the same time or up to 2 weeks after Crocus chrysanthus (Snow Crocus) starts flowering. Height: 4–6" (10–15 cm).