Names and Myths

Tussilago derived from tussis for cough, many folk treatments for coughs make use of coltsfoot.¹ Its leaf was used as the symbol for apothecary shops in France.¹⁷

 farfara Farfarus, the Latin name

Coltsfoot -  European emigré, named in England based on the heart shaped leaf

Natural history / Folklore

Provides nectar early in the season, but is able to self-pollinate. Flowers closed at times that bees are not likely to fly, thereby conserving pollen and nectar .⁶ Tussilago  is a monotypic genus (only one species in genus).¹⁷

The seeds can hitch rides in the mud splashed into the wheel wells of off-road vehicles and hence has spread throughout the forest road system. It has an agressive root system that can prevent the growth of other plant species.⁵⁷

Description

March - June Yellow dandylion-like flowers borne on scale covered flower stalk, Basal leaves follow the flowers. Roadsides, ditches, stream-sides. Since it can thrive in poor soil it has spread rapidly.