In the middle of their flowering period, the poisonous autumn crocus hardly poses a significant threat. It becomes problematic when the tuft of leaves thrives in spring, at the same time as wild garlic is best collected. If the plants are mixed up, there is a risk of life-threatening symptoms of poisoning. Read here how to clearly identify the leaf of autumn crocus.
The leaves of the autumn crocus are similar to those of wild garlic
An overview of the distinguishing features of autumn crocus leaves
Autumn crocus leaves have various characteristics that enable them to be distinguished from harmless plants such as wild garlic. The following overview gives you clear characteristics of the poisonous foliage so that you never confuse them again:
- Several leaves sprout from a single stalk, similar to leeks
- The thick fleshy leaf has no visible central vein
- The foliage reaches a length of up to 40 cm
In contrast, each wild garlic leaf is individually stalked. The top is slightly glossy, while the bottom appears matte. You will not discover a leaf sheath on wild garlic. Furthermore, the lanceolate leaf tapers out at the end.
Autumn crocus always blooms without leaves
The outstanding feature of the poisonous plant is that flowers and leaves never appear at the same time. A few weeks after planting, an autumn crocus drives out its crocus-like flowers. Only in the following spring, when the flowers have long since withered, do the leaves emerge. Incidentally, this is the best time for effective control.
This is how the smell test works
You should not rely on appearance alone when collecting wild garlic. If you still have any doubts as to whether you are looking at autumn crocus leaves or wild garlic, carry out the smell test. To do this, rub the leaves between your fingers and sniff them. If you don't notice the unmistakable garlic scent of wild garlic, you're holding the poisonous plant in your hands.