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Tussilago farfara L. Coltsfoot, ass’s foot, bull’s foot, butterbur, coughwort, farfara, foal’s foot, foalswort, horse foot, winter heliotrope
Coltsfoot is native to some regions of Europe and Asia. It was introduced to North and South America for its medical properties, and has become naturalized there, an invasive plant in many areas. “Coltsfoot” and many other of the common names are for the shape of the leaves at the base of the plant. It appears very early, and is common in disturbed soils, and along damp roadsides and streambeds.
Coltsfoot basal leaves. Identification: Leaves at the base of the plant are heart-shaped, and up to 6" (15 cm) wide. Stems are stiff, lined with small reddish-brown scales, about 3-18" (7.6-45 cm) high. There is a single yellow flower on each stem, about ¾" (1.9 cm) across, composed of many tiny petals, similar to a dandelion. (In ultraviolet light, the outer petals appear white and the inner region red.) The flowers appear in early spring. Distinguish them from dandelions by their very different leaf shapes, and scaly stems. Edibility: Flower buds and young flowers are said to add an anise-like (licorice-like) flavor to salads. Young leaves are also edible, provided that they are washed after boiling to remove a bitter taste. The dried leaves can be used to make a tea, or boiled with sugar to produce cough drops. Medical: Coltsfoot has been pressed into service for a wide range of ailments. The most consistent use is the treatment of coughs and respiratory problems, often with a candy made from the leaves. Online References:
Invasive.org, Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health Plants for a Future, a resource and information centre for edible and otherwise useful plants The University of Wisconsin's Robert W. Freckmann Herbarium The USDA Forest Service's Fire Effects Information Database
4/28/2014 · Big Bear Mountain, Brookline, New Hampshire
The leaf underside is almost white. · 7/11/2013 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton Center, Groton, Massachusetts
4/22/2014 · Beaver Brook Assn Conservation L, Brookline, New Hampshire
5/2/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton Center, Groton, Massachusetts
7/29/2023 · Owl’s Head Transportation Museum Nature Walk, Owl’s Head, Maine
4/15/2012 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton Center, Groton, Massachusetts
5/13/2021 · Otter Brook Preserve, Harpswell, Maine
4/27/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Pepperell, Massachusetts
Tussilago farfara description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 6 May 2023.
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5/13/2021 · Otter Brook Preserve, Harpswell, Maine
5/4/2012 · Willard Brook State Park, Blue Trail, Ashby, Massachusetts
8/25/2017 · Pack Monadnock, near summit, Peterborough, New Hampshire
4/10/2021 · Stream Loop Trail, Big Falls Preserve, New Gloucester, Maine
5/7/2023 · Otter Brook Preserve, Harpswell, Maine
The sepal is red-brown. (Surrounding foliage is ferns, not coltsfoot.) · 4/23/2023 · Butler Head Preserve, Bath, Maine
5/1/2023 · Tom and Susan's, Highland Green, Topsham, Maine
7/29/2023 · Owl’s Head Transportation Museum Nature Walk, Owl’s Head, Maine
4/24/2011 · Kevin and Becky’s, Rockland, Maine
4/23/2023 · Butler Head Preserve, Bath, Maine
4/28/2014 · Big Bear Mountain, Brookline, New Hampshire
4/23/2021 · Otter Brook Preserve, Harpswell, Maine
5/13/2016 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton Center, Groton, Massachusetts
7/29/2023 · Owl’s Head Transportation Museum Nature Walk, Owl’s Head, Maine Range:
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