Sternbergia lutea

These stunning, but little-known bulbs were first imported to the US by renowned plantsman, Thomas Jefferson...you've heard of him, no doubt. In late September through October, the flowers emerge from the dormant bulbs, opening as bright yellow goblets less than 6" from the ground. When the flowers finally finish, they are replaced by a small mound of shiny green foliage that will persist until the warm weather of spring. Sternbergia lutea seems to prefer a moist, well-drained site and lots of neglect.