By Larry Halverson

Crocuses are usually the first of the spring flowers as they often push their way up through snow.

They are usually left alone by wildlife as most animals will avoid these caustic plants. Even for humans the crocus sap can blister skin and if any of its parts are eaten it can cause vomiting and tremors. It is said that even the juice from the purple flowers can irritate; however, the petals have been used to colour Easter eggs which gives the flower its other name the Pasqueflower.

Image: Prairie Crocus is locally common in grasslands and dry meadows of the Columbia Valley. By Larry Halverson April, 13, 2014

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