Coltsfoot
IOverview
Overview
Coltsfoot, Tussilago farfara, is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia, with a range extending from Afghanistan to Scandinavia and Siberia. Known for its edible and medicinal properties, this plant thrives in moist, light soils and can be found growing wild in various habitats. The plant reaches heights of about 20 cm and features distinctive yellow flower heads that appear before the leaves emerge in early spring. Coltsfoot is adaptable, thriving in soil pH levels between 7.5 and 8, making it a resilient species in its native range. Its edible parts include both flowers and leaves, adding to its value as a foraged food source.
What is Coltsfoot?
Coltsfoot, Tussilago farfara, is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia, with a range extending from Afghanistan to Scandinavia and Siberia. Known for its edible and medicinal properties, this plant thrives in moist, light soils and can be found growing wild in various habitats.
What is Coltsfoot used for?
Traditionally used for better sleep, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · traditional-use context
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · traditional-use context- Traditional-use note: Coltsfoot appears in herbal sources around evening relaxation and bedtime routines, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
▲ ModerateBetter sleep → - Coltsfoot has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine to support immune health, often taken as a tea or decoction during cold and flu season.
The mechanism by which coltsfoot supports the immune system is not fully characterized but may involve compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids that have antioxidant properties.
▲ ModerateImmune support →
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftVCultivation
Cultivation
How to grow Coltsfoot for the first time
Coltsfoot is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that's perfect for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a small pot or garden bed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring when the soil is moist and workable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH of 7.5–8, ensuring it's light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden bed or start young plants indoors and transplant them later.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for any signs of pests or diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light shade during hot summer months, and mulch around plants to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage in late winter before new growth emerges. Harvest leaves and flowers for culinary use when they are young.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too heavy soil, neglecting to prune old growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
VIIDistribution
77 native · 40 introduced
Distribution
77 native · 40 introducedIXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
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