Coltsfoot
tussilago farfara




DESCRIPTION
Specific name of the plant is derived from Farfarus,
an ancient name of the White Poplar,
the leaves of which present some resemblance
in form and color to those of this plant.
There is a closer resemblance, however, to the leaves
of the Butterbur, which must not be collected in error; they
may be distinguished by their more rounded outline,
larger size and less sinuate margin.
After the leaves have died down, the shoot rests and produces
in the following February a flowering stem, consisting
of a single peduncle with numerous reddish bracts and whitish
hairs and a terminal, composite yellow flower,
while other shoots develop leaves, which appear only much later,
after the flower stems in their turn have died down.
These two parts of the plant, both of which are used medicinally, are,
therefore, collected separately and usually sold separately.

Root is spreading, small and white, and has been used medicinally.
An old name for Coltsfoot was Filius ante patrem
(the son before the father),
because the star-like, golden flowers appear and wither
before the broad, sea-green leaves are produced.

Seeds are crowned with a tuft of silky hairs, the pappus,
which are often used by goldfinches to line their nests.

It's been stated where in former days frequently employed
by the Highlanders for stuffing mattresses and pillows.

Underground stems preserve their vitality for a long period when
buried deeply, so that in places where the plant has not been
observed before, it will often spring up in profusion
after the ground has been disturbed.

In gardens and pastures it is a troublesome weed,
very difficult to extirpate.


ACTIONS
CONSTITUENTS
HABITAT
USE


SOURCES
"A Modern Herbal"
Full Moon Paradise