According to Strid (2016), Crocus sieberi s. str. is distinct on account of its flower colour. Similar plants from Peloponnisos and the mainland, which have been classified as C. sieberi subsp. atticus (Boiss. & Orph.) B. Mathew, C. sieberi subsp. nivalis (Bory & Chaub.) B. Mathew and C. sieberi subsp. sublimis (Herb.) B. Mathew, seem to merge into each other morphologically and geographically.

The endemic geophyte of the mountains of Crete, Crocus sieberi, is assessed as Least Concern (LC). Although the species has a small range of geographical distribution (AOO: 152 km² and EOO: 1612.4 km²), the number of locations is estimated at 15- 20. Its population is inferred to be quite large and stable. In addition, the plant's habitat remains more or less stable and protected.

Crocus sieberi is endemic to Crete and appears to be restricted to the three main mountain massifs (Lefka Ori, Psiloritis and Dikti) and mountain Kedros at altitude of (1,100-)1,500 to 2,100(-2,300) m.

The total population is unknown but it is relatively abundant in some of its localities. The species can often be found in considerable numbers, although in localized areas. It is distributed in about 10 subpopulations. Over three thousand flowering individuals were observed in one only locality in Kallergi area of Lefka Ori but also in area of Psiloritis before Nida plain. Some of its subpopulations have declined due to road constructions, overgrazing and trampling but more research is needed to estimate the population size and trends.

Crocus sieberi grows in dolines and patches of meadows on rocky limestone slopes. Flowering is from mid-April to early June at the edge of melting snow (Strid 2016) but it may be seen flowering as early as February on the Omalos plain (Fielding and Turland 2005). It grows together with Colchicum cretense, Corydalis uniflora, Scilla nana, etc.

The opening of roads in the mountainous areas has affected some subpopulations of Crocus sieberi. Also, trampling from the concentration of large numbers of sheep in the mountain dolines probably affects the sexual reproduction of the plant. In general, however, because it is a geophyte and flowers early, before animals move to the high peaks, nomadic grazing affects the species to a small extent.

There are no conservation measures targeted to the species, but almost all of its subpopulations are located within the NATURA 2000 sites. Moreover, seeds of the plant, originated from Lefka Ori, are conserved in the Seed Bank of MAICh. Some subpopulations are estimated to have declined due to road constructions, overgrazing and trampling but more research is needed in order the population size and trend to be estimated.