COMMON NAME
Coltsfoot
FULL SCIENTIFIC NAME
Tussilago farfara L.
FAMILY NAME COMMON
Aster family
FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME
Tussilago farfara
IMAGES
 Habit |
 Spreading Rhizomes |
 Fruit |
 Close-up of Flowers |
 Close-up of Seed Head |
 Leaves |
 Incursion |
NOMENCLATURE/SYNONYMS
Synonyms: None
DESCRIPTION
Tussilago farfara is an herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 0.5 m (1.6 ft.), but is usually smaller. It has spreading rhizomes that allow for clonal growth. The leaves of this plant are long petioled and cordate to suborbicular in shape. They have a deep, narrow sinus and the margins are callous-denticulate and have shallow lobes. They are 5-20 cm (2-8 in.) long and the same in width. The tops of the leave are glabrous, while below they have white, short, matted, woolly hairs. The yellow flowers of Tussilago farfara are present on scaly scapes that are sent up by the rhizomes in early spring before the leaves develop. Like many members of the Asteraceae, the flowers have many rays. The heads of the flowers are first cylindric in shape and then expand to be about 3 cm (1.2 in.) in diameter. The bracts beneath the flowers (known as a involucre) are 8-15 mm (0.3-0.6 in.) in diameter. The flowers mature into white balls of tufted seeds similar to dandelions. The seeds are 0.3 cm (0.125 in.) long, cylindrical in shape and yellow or red brown in color. Page References Fernald 1525, Gleason & Cronquist 560, Holmgren 528, Magee & Ahles 1007, Newcomb 358, Peterson & McKenny 110. See reference section below for full citations.
SIMILAR SPECIES
Taraxacum officinale G.H. Weber ex Wiggers (dandelion) One of the main differences between these plants is that the scape which bears the flower of Tussilago farfara has scales on it, while the scape of Taraxacum officinale is smooth.
REPRODUCTIVE/DISPERSAL MECHANISMS
The seeds are dispersed by the wind, and have been reported to travel up to 8 miles.
DISTRIBUTION
Tussilago farfara is native to Europe. It has been reported in Canada, and is considered a provincial noxious weed in Ontario. In the United States it is present from Maine to North Carolina and west to Minnesota, as well as in Washington state.
HISTORY OF INTRODUCTION IN NEW ENGLAND
Tussilago farfara was likely introduced into the eastern part of North America by early European settlers. The herb was used medicinally, as well as in teas, candy and as tobacco. It was likely planted in herb gardens, and spread via planting or rhizomes.
HABITATS IN NEW ENGLAND
Tussilago farfara is well adapted to poor, wet soils and can be found along roads, in pastures, in open forests and along rivers. Though the plant can tolerate full sun, it thrives in partial shade.
THREATS
Tussilago farfara can form large colonies because of its rhizomes. The colonies can crowd out native species. These rhizomes can go as deep as 3 m (almost 10 ft.) making it difficult to dig out. Since the seeds are wind-dispersed, they have the potential to travel relatively long distances. Also, because this plant flowers early (with the flower stalks sometimes pushing through the snow) it can disperse its seeds earlier than many native plants.
MANAGEMENT LINKS
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Description and information about chemical control
DOCUMENTATION NEEDS
Documentation required: A photograph of the flowers and leaves.
Best time for documentation: Spring, summer, fall.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
General information and photographs
USDA Plants Database
General information and a map
Ohio Perennial and Biennial Weed Guide
Photographs, general information, "Facts and Folklore"
Integrated Taxonomic Information System