Muscari comosum - Tassel hyacynth

Muscari comosum or Tassel hyacynth is the most common of the muscari family and is found in sometimes large populations in cultivated and fallow fields from sea level to about 1000 metres. They flower from March until May

The bulbs are harvested, boiled in brine and eaten by Cretans. They are locally known as volvi and you can sometimes see the uncooked bulbs in greengrocers.

The common name tassel hyacynth derives from the tuft of sterile blue flowers at the top of the plant.

You can click on the pictures to enlarge