A hardy bulbous perennial, of neat habit, with bright golden flowers,
produced in large heads; they endure a long time and are very effective;
it is by far the best yellow species. Where bold clumps of yellow are
desirable, especially if somewhat in the background, there can be few
subjects more suitable for the purpose than this plant; both leaves and
flowers, however, have a disagreeable odour, if in the least bruised. It
is a very old plant in English gardens, and is a native of the South of
Europe. Its chief merits are fine colour, large head, neat habit, and
easy culture. The flowers are 1in. across, borne in close heads, having
stalks over an inch long springing from stout scapes; the six long oval
petals are of a shining yellow colour; the seed organs also are all
yellow and half the length of petals; the scape is about a foot high,
naked, round, and very stout; the leaves are nearly as broad as tulip
leaves, and otherwise much resemble them.