Specimen collected in Rübgarten, Germany, 04/2021
Specimen collected in Rübgarten, Germany, 04/2021(Backlit)

Tussilago farfara

Scientific Name
Tussilago farfara
FAMILY
Asteraceae
LIFESPAN
perennial
BLOSSOM SYMMETRY
radial
Common Name
Coltsfoot
ORDER
Asterales
BLOSSOM COLOR
yellow
PHYLLOTAXIS
alternate

Tussilago farfara, commonly known as coltsfoot, is a perennial wildflower native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is unique for producing its bright yellow, dandelion-like flowers before its leaves appear in early spring. The name Tussilago comes from Latin, meaning “cough dispeller,” reflecting its long use in traditional medicine for treating respiratory ailments. The broad, hoof-shaped leaves that emerge later gave rise to the common name “coltsfoot.” Unlike many early bloomers, it thrives in disturbed, clay-rich soils and often colonizes bare ground, making it one of the first pioneers to reclaim eroded or recently disturbed habitats.

More Specimens

Detail of specimen collected in Rübgarten, Germany, 04/2021
Detail of specimen collected in Rübgarten, Germany, 04/2021(Backlit)