About
Traditionally an ingredient in cough medicine, coltsfoot flowers before its leaves emerge in early spring. Coltsfoot is also a larval food source for moths. Flowers provide an early source of nectar for honey bees. It spreads by means of fleshy but brittle rhizomes, making it a perennial nuisance in the garden border. Leaves are entire and toothed with a grey tinge. Flowers are yellow and similar to dandelions, borne singularly on short scaly stems.
About the genus
Tussilago is a low-growing herbaceous perennial spread by seeds and rhizomes. Erect, scaly woolly stems produce dandelion-like single flower heads which appear before the crinkly leaves between March and April.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesWildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope, SW Asia
ToxicityContains alkaloids. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling
Care notes
CultivationColtsfoot is found naturally bare and disturbed ground, especially on heavier soils. Has the potential to be a nuisance in a garden and is best grown in wild areas
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by sees or propagate by rhizomes
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free