Autumn Crocus
Colchicum autumnale
Horse
Critical
Any suspected ingestion is an immediate veterinary emergency. 1 kg of fresh plant, or 1.5% of the total volume in hay (a few handfuls of contaminated hay are sufficient).
Equio informs, it does not diagnose. When in doubt, call your vet.
What to do now
- Antidote
- No specific antidote. Intensive symptomatic and supportive treatment: activated charcoal, enemas, IV fluids, management of electrolyte imbalances and pain.
- Time to signs
- A few hours to 24 hours
- Prognosis
- Grave. Death usually occurs within 2 to 3 days due to respiratory failure and intestinal/renal destruction.
- Absolute emergency.
- Administer activated charcoal.
- Initiate massive fluid therapy.
- Absorption is very rapid.
Its ID card
- Height
- 10 cm – 30 cm
- Flowering
- September to October
- Toxic parts
- The entire plant, especially the bulb and seeds. It retains 100% of its toxicity when dried.
- Toxin
- Tropane alkaloid (Colchicine)
- Habitat
- Damp meadows, hay meadows, clear woods.
- Soil indicator
- Heavy, deep, clayey, and moist soils, rich in nutrients.
- Regions
- Central Europe, Western Europe, United Kingdom
- In hay
- Yes — stays toxic once dried
- Palatability
- Avoided when growing, but contaminated hay is the primary and deadly cause of poisoning.
When the risk rises
Spring (leaves) and Autumn (flowers). Year-round in hay.
Spotting it in the field
Crocus (in autumn), Wild garlic, Wild leek, Lily of the valley (in spring). — smell : odorless
- In autumn: solitary pink-violet flower, 10-20 cm, resembling a large crocus, growing without any leaves.
- In spring: large, fleshy, elongated leaves.
- Leaves resemble wild leek or wild garlic.
- Presence of a seed capsule in the center in spring.
Signs to watch for
Acute toxicity.
Dose : A few grams of bulb or seeds, or a small amount of fresh plant. Contaminated hay is the most dangerous.
- Fulminant colic
- Abundant, foul-smelling diarrhea (often bloody)
- Profuse sweating and teeth grinding
- Blood in urine
- Ascending paralysis and death
Who is affected
Other species : Lethal to all mammals (including humans, often confused with wild garlic).
In pregnant mares : extremely abortifacient.
Getting rid of it
Method : Pull up the entire plant, including the bulb, wearing protective gloves. Destroy uprooted plants by burning or deep burial to prevent dissemination.
- Carefully inspect pastures and grazing areas to identify and eradicate autumn crocus.
- Avoid mowing or grazing horses in areas known to contain autumn crocus.
- Be particularly vigilant when purchasing hay; check for contamination.
- Wear gloves when handling the plant to avoid skin contact.
Frequently asked questions
Can Equio identify Autumn Crocus from a photo?
It can help organize visual clues, but plant identification must remain cautious when horse health is at stake.
Is Autumn Crocus dangerous in hay?
This entry flags hay vigilance. Isolate suspicious forage and ask for professional advice if exposure is possible.
This page is informational. If ingestion is likely, if signs appear, or if the horse is fragile, contact a veterinarian immediately.