Tussilago spp.

coltsfoot

Asteraceae

Europe, North Africa, and western and central Asia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 3–8

Overview

Tussilago spp. is a genus in the daisy family (Asteraceae) with a single species, coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara), native to Europe, North Africa, and western and central Asia and widely naturalised in North America. It is a low, rhizomatous perennial that spreads by creeping underground stems to form colonies. In early spring, before the leaves appear, scaly flowering stalks 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) tall each carry a single yellow flower head resembling a small dandelion. After flowering, broad, hoof-shaped leaves up to 8 inches (20 cm) wide expand from the base, green above and white-felted beneath. The seeds bear a parachute of hairs and disperse on the wind. Coltsfoot colonises damp clay, roadsides, ditches, and disturbed ground, and its spreading rhizomes make it persistent and weedy in cultivated soil. All parts contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can damage the liver if ingested, despite the plant's long history of herbal use.

Native Range

Native to Europe, North Africa, and western and central Asia, and widely naturalised across North America. It grows in damp, disturbed ground, roadsides, ditches, and clay banks.

Suggested Uses

Grown in wild and bog-margin gardens and for erosion control on damp banks. Historically used in herbal preparations, though its alkaloid content has curtailed that use.

How to Identify

In early spring, leafless scaly stalks each bear a single yellow, dandelion-like flower head before any foliage shows. Broad, hoof-shaped leaves follow, green above and white-felted underneath, up to 8 inches (20 cm) across. Seed heads form fluffy white globes of wind-borne seed.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4" - 1'

Width/Spread1' - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

Spring

Flowering occurs in early spring, often February to April, ahead of the leaves. Each scaly stalk holds one yellow head that opens in sun and closes in dull weather. Fluffy seed heads ripen within a few weeks and scatter on the wind.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green above, white-felted beneath

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

clay loam silt

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Coltsfoot grows in full sun to part shade in moist, heavy soils, including clay and disturbed ground, and tolerates poor fertility. It spreads aggressively by deep rhizomes and can become invasive, so it is often confined to wild corners or containers. Plants establish readily from rhizome fragments or seed and need no feeding. The foliage dies back in autumn. Because all parts contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, the plant is toxic to people and livestock if eaten.

Pruning

No pruning is required. Spent flower stalks and faded leaves can be removed, and rhizomes dug out to limit spread where the plant is unwanted.

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans

Perennial