Coltsfoot
Tussilago farfara
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. B84B — Tussilago farfara
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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.
Quick answers
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.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Coltsfoot
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- 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.
- 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.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Coltsfoot support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Coltsfoot is a perennial herb that thrives in moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 7.5–8. It grows to about 20 cm tall and is hardy in temperate regions from zones 4-8. This plant requires full sun to partial shade and benefits from regular watering. For propagation, use division or seed sowing. The edible parts include the flowers and leaves, making it a versatile addition to your garden for both ornamental and culinary purposes.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.2 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Coltsfoot for the first time
8steps
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
Edible parts:FlowersLeaves
Edible uses: Oil, Salt, Tea
Other uses:CompostoilErosion controltextilesFire starterDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe15 regions
native (15)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIcelandRussiaUnited Kingdom
Asia2 regions
native (2)AfghanistanChina
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaEgypt
Broader regions
native:Altay, Hainan, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., Buryatiya, Baltic States, Føroyar
IXSpecimen 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.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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