Tussilago, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
coltsfoot
Europe, North Africa, and western and central Asia
Overview
Tussilago 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
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
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 beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
