Coltsfoot is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in grassland, coastal areas and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 30cm.
Coltsfoot is named after the shape of its leaves, which looks like the underside of a colt's foot. Coltsfoot's composite flowers have relatively few, large disc florets surrounded by numerous long- and narrow-petalled ray florets. The flowers emerge on white hairy stems, covered with reddish scales, before the leaves appear.
Botanic classification and naming: Coltsfoot is a member of the Daisy (Asteraceae) family. The genus name
'Tussilago' identifies the plant as a Coltsfoot and its species name 'farfara' means 'cough-soothing plant'.
Concerns: Coltsfoot is a poisonous plant containing toxins that may cause liver damage or cancer.
Benefits: Pollinated by a wide range of bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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