Depending on the year, Crocus vernus starts flowering about the same time or up to 2 weeks after Crocus chrysanthus (snow crocus) starts flowering.

The Latin specific epithet vernus refers to both 'vernal' (spring) and 'crocus'.

[1] Within Britain, it can be found in grasslands, including churchyards and roadside verges.

[1] Several other spring blooming species, among others Crocus flavus Weston (Syn.

Crocus aureus), have been called 'Crocus vernus' by other authors.