Plant species

coltsfoot Tussilago farfara

Asteraceae

Species information

Description

A perennial with large leaves and spring flowering stems carrying clusters of flower heads. An early spring pioneer of disturbed and often damp soils; yellow flower heads appear before the large leaves.

Plant traits

Growth form

forb

Life cycle

perennial

Height

5–30 cm

Typical season

123456789101112

Active growth

Flowering

Fruiting

Timing varies with site and year.

Habitat conditions

Habitat

ruderal habitats · riparian habitats · wet grasslands

Light

full sun

Moisture

mesic · moist

Soil

indifferent

Substrate

alluvial

Pollination

insect pollination

Status

native

Interesting facts

Its Latin name combines tussis ('cough') and ago ('to drive away'), recalling its historical association with cough remedies.

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