Colchicum corsicum Baker has been split in two taxa: C. corsicum Baker occupying the eastern part of the distribution area, and C. arenasii Fridl. occurring in the western part (Figari is the limit between the two) (Friedlander 1999).

It was recorded in the past from Sardinia but that is a mistake as those reports refer to C. verlaqueae Fridl.

Colchicum corsicum is endemic to Corsica, with a population estimated to hold between 200-300 mature individuals throughout 5 locations. The area of occupancy is smaller than 20 km². The population size seems to remain stable and conservation measures have been established but habitat degradation from urbanisation or recreational activities is still a potential threat.

Colchicum corsicum is endemic to Corsica, France, where it has a geographic range of 769 km² and an area of occupancy below 20 km². It is found from the southern extreme of Figari Island to Porto-Vecchio, in 22 localities in five communes (five locations).

It is suspected that there are 2,000 to 3,000 individuals in total of which only about 200-300 are mature individuals. This plant is difficult to count as the flowering period is short. All known populations are self maintained and stable.

It grows in sandy grassland on upper beaches, often in accumulations of Posidonia; in winter also found in humidt clay flats in openings of low scrub and shrubland, often with Schoenus nigricans. Its habitat seems stable.

It occurs in the Habitats Directive listed habitats 6210 "Xeric sand calcareous grasslands" and 1210 "Annual vegetation of drift lines" (Commission of the European Communities 2009).

Habitat degradation is the main threat to the species and is potentially caused by seashore urbanization, the passage of motorized vehicles (Plateau de Frasseli), and its presence on military training fields.

It occurs that the bulbs are collected (one occurrence of bulb removal for collection at the CBN Mediterranean).

Colchicum corsicum is listed on Annex IV of the Habitats Directive and under Appendix I of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention).

It is regionally protected (liste des espèces végétales protégées en région Corse complétant la liste nationale; Journal officiel du 15 août 1986; and liste des espèces végétales protégées sur l'ensemble du territoire français métropolitain Annex1).

Twelve of 22 localities are protected: four localities are in a Site Classé, eight in a Conservatoire du Littoral. Seeds are being collected for ex situ conservation purposes.