Crocus  Crocus purpureus  perennial.
[A spring blooming variety, substituted for Crocus sativus, the saffron crocus, which blooms in the early fall and probably would not survive our winter.]

Saffron is a yellow powder obtained by collecting and grinding the styles of C. sativus. This has always been an expensive product which is still used for dyeing foodstuffs yellow and imparting a subtle flavor. The flower, however, is a purple blossom, as it also is with our substitute.

Song of Solomon 4:13-14
Isaiah 35:1