What genus of flower produces the spice saffron?

The genus of flower that produces the spice saffron is Crocus. Commercial saffron comes from the dried red stigmas of one species, Crocus sativus, often called the saffron crocus.

Each Crocus sativus flower usually has three vivid red stigmas. These delicate structures must be harvested by hand and dried, which explains saffron’s exceptional price. Roughly 60,000 flowers and about 180,000 stigmas may be needed to produce one kilogram of the spice. Saffron is used for its color, aroma, and distinctive flavor in foods and beverages.

Crocus belongs to the iris family, Iridaceae, and the genus contains about 100 species of perennial plants growing from underground corms. Most crocuses are ornamental and bloom in autumn, winter, or spring; only a particular cultivated species supplies true saffron.

A frequent mix-up involves colchicum, sometimes called “autumn crocus” or “meadow saffron.” Colchicum is not a true Crocus and is toxic. True saffron comes specifically from Crocus sativus, not from every crocus species or from colchicum.