Tussilago farfara aka Coltsfoot

Tussilago farfara, or coltsfoot, is a small perennial with spreading roots. It belongs to the daisy family, Asteraceae. Its native range spans temperate Eurasia, North Africa and the Himalaya. It is native to Britain and Ireland. Plants grow on bare ground and sites where soil has shifted. Habitats include damp banks, roadsides, waste ground and coastal shingle. It often takes hold on clay rich in lime.

The RHS gives a height of 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Its listed spread reaches 0.3 feet [0.1 metres]. Yet fleshy rhizomes let it spread beyond a single plant. These underground stems break easily and help it form patches. The upright flower stems are short and bear scales. Yellow heads look like small dandelions, with one on each stem. They open before the leaves grow in early spring. Chicago Botanic Garden lists bloom from January through April. The leaves have toothed edges and a grey cast. Soft down covers their undersides, and the plant sheds its leaves each year.

Grow coltsfoot in sun, though it also accepts partial shade. The RHS lists clay and loam as suitable soils. It accepts acid, neutral and alkaline conditions. Both garden sources call for moist soil. The RHS also calls for good drainage and a sheltered site. Plants reach full size within one to two years. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 4–6. The RHS rates it H7, for cold below −4°F [−20°C]. It needs no pruning, and gardeners can raise it from seeds or rhizomes.

Coltsfoot can serve as groundcover in a wild garden or meadow. Its early flowers give honey bees nectar. Moth larvae also feed on the plant. Its wide root system can help hold banks in place. The leaves can go into compost. People have used the leaf down for stuffing and tinder. The RHS reports few pest or disease problems. Its main garden drawback is its spread through borders. Wild areas suit it better than beds where it may crowd other plants.

PFAF records food uses for buds, flowers, young leaves and rootstock. These include cooked greens, tea and rootstock preserved in sugar. Such records do not establish that eating it is safe. Coltsfoot contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can harm the liver. PFAF warns of harm from large doses and against use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. People have used it in cough remedies, but toxicity limits this use. The RHS advises gloves and handwashing after handling.