description
The spice saffron is derived from the flower (specifically the stigmas and styles) of Crocus sativus. Crocus sativus is commonly known as the saffron crocus. Crocus is a genus in the family Iridaceae.

Saffron crocus grows to a height of 8 to 12 inches (20–30 cm). To protect the plants true leaves it will sprout white and non-photosynthetic leaves known as cataphylls. These are membrane-like structures cover the crocus's 5-11 actual leaves as they bud and develop. The actual leaves are blade-like green foliage and are thin, straight, and approximately 1–3 mm in diameter.

In autumn, purple buds appear and it takes until October, after most other flowering plants have released their seeds, for the crocus' brilliantly hued flowers develop. When they do flower the plants average less than a foot in height. At this time their color will range from a light pastel shade of lilac to a darker and more striated mauve. The flowers emit a honey-like sweet fragrance. Emerging from each flower is a three-pronged style. Each of these prongs is terminated with a vivid crimson stigma 25–30 mm (0.98–1.18 in) in length.

The plant reproduces via corms. Corms are bulb-like, starch-storing organs, that form underground. After blossoms fade they are dug up, separated, and replanted each year.

common names & nomenclature
The English word, saffron stemmed from a 12th-century Old French term safran, which comes from the Latin word safranum, which comes from the Persian intercessor za'ferân.

Also known as:
saffron, saffron crocus

Crocus sativus is native to Greece or Southwest Asia and was slowly propagated throughout much of Eurasia and was later brought to parts of North Africa, North America, and Oceania.

climate
Saffron grows best in sunny, semi-arid lands. It can survive cold winters, tolerating frosts as low as −10 °C (14 °F) and can even endure short periods of snow cover. Irrigation is required if grown outside of moist environments.

soil
Prefers friable, low-density, loose, well-watered, and well-drained clay soils with high organic content.

growing
Since they are actually sterile, C. sativus' purple flowers will not produce viable seeds. The plant's reproduction requires on human assistance via the replanting of the plant's corms. Corms are underground, bulb-like, starch-storing organs—and they must must be dug up, broken apart, and replanted for next season. A corm will survive for one season, though it will produce via this vegetative division up to ten "cormlets" that can be planted and will grow into new plants in the next season.

harvesting
The stigmas and styles of the flower are harvested in the autumn when the plant is in flower and are dried for later use.

preserving
Store saffron in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Be aware it should be used as quickly as possible, the spice does not store well. It should be used (or replaced) within 12 months.