Tussilago farfara

Plant Details

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General Information

Scientific name: Tussilago farfara
Also known as: Coltsfoot
Images: Google Images

Plant Properties

Layer: Herb layer, Soil
Format: Smal
Height: 0.20 m
Width: 1.00 m
Growth Rate: Fast
Leaf: -

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 4-8
Soil Moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acid Neutral Basic
Light:
Sun, Half shade

Usage properties

Edible part:
Flowers, Leaves
Edibility:
(3)
Medicinal:
(3)
Features:
None

Description

The buds and young flowers of this plant can be eaten both raw and cooked, and have a pleasant anise flavor that is delicious in salads. The young leaves can also be eaten raw or cooked and are suitable for salads, soups, or cooked as a vegetable. Note that the leaves have a bitter taste until they are rinsed after cooking. Fresh or dried leaves and flowers can be used to make aromatic tea with a licorice-like taste. The dried and burnt leaves can serve as a salt substitute. Additionally, the slender stem can be candied in sugar syrup.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/03
End of Harvest: 30/04

Guilds

Guild Information

Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.

Guild Details

Guild Description
Sambucus canadensis
American Elder 		Provides shade and can help to improve soil moisture retention due to its large leaf structure.
Ulmus laevis
Elm 		Helps with wind protection and provides a strong root system, enhancing soil structure.
Viburnum opulus
Highbush cranberry 		Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects which can enhance biodiversity in the area.
Mentha aquatica
Water mint 		Helps with moisture retention in the soil and attracts pollinators with its fragrant flowers.
Phormium tenax
New Zealand flax 		Provides shade and helps to create a microclimate beneficial for Tussilago farfara.
Rubus idaeus
Raspberry 		The raspberry plant can benefit from the shade provided by Tussilago farfara and enhance fruit yield.