Autumn Crocus Family: Colchicaceae

The autumn crocus family used to be part of the lily family but has since been promoted, like other former lily family members, to it’s own family. There is only one North American species, bellwort. Bellwort is a monocot with lily-like characteristics – three sepals and three petals that are identical in size and color. Found in in eastern woodlands, they bloom in early spring and produce drooping yellow blossoms.