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Coltsfoot

(Tussilago farfara)

Coltsfoot is a member of the Aster family. It blooms before Dandelions in early spring. 

You are most likely to see Coltsfoot flowers by roadsides and on waste and stony ground.

The flowers resemble those of the dandelion but they are smaller and have both rays (radiating petals), around the outside, and disk flowers in the middle.

The stem is also very different to that of the dandelion in that it is solid, very hairy and has scales.

The leaves appear after the coltsfoot has flowered and are hoof shaped, hence the name coltsfoot.

The leaves are hairy and not toothed like those of the dandelion.

The dried leaves are traditionally used as a remedy against coughs and colds.


    Choosing your plants

  • • Select a patch of coltsfoot plants in an area that you visit regularly.
  • • Mark the patch with a ribbon on a stick or other marker to make sure that you always visit the same place.
  • • If you have a large patch of plants mark off a one metre square area and observe only the plants within the square. Take care not to damage the plants when marking your square!

    What to record

  • •Record when the first flowers are open.
  • •Make a note of when 50% of the flowers are open.
  • • Finally record when nearly all of the flowers are open.

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