Tussilago farfara
Coltsfoot
Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Tussilago farfara.
General Information
Plant Properties
Growth conditions
Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Full sun, Partial shade
Usage properties
Flowers, Leaves
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.