Colt's-foot
Tussilago farfara
Also listed as Cineraria farfara, Farfara radiata
Also known as Coughwort, Clayweed, Dovedock
Climate Match for your location
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A low-growing perennial with large, heart-shaped leaves that appear after small yellow daisy-like flowers bloom in early spring. Often considered invasive due to its vigorous spreading habit via underground rhizomes.
Why grow it
Coltsfoot produces early spring flowers when few other plants are blooming, making it useful for early-season forage or visual interest in naturalized settings. The large leaves emerge after flowering and provide ground cover in damp, disturbed areas where many ornamentals struggle. Compared to native spring ephemerals, coltsfoot tolerates compacted and poor soils more readily, though it lacks the ecological value of native alternatives in most regions.
Watch out for
This plant spreads vigorously and can be difficult to contain once established; plan for regular monitoring and removal if you wish to prevent it from dominating planting areas. In wet seasons, the dense foliage may trap moisture and encourage fungal issues, particularly in poorly drained soils.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native Range
Europe and Western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A low-growing perennial with large, heart-shaped leaves that appear after small yellow daisy-like flowers bloom in early spring. Often considered invasive due to its vigorous spreading habit via underground rhizomes.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Colt's-foot grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Coltsfoot produces early spring flowers when few other plants are blooming, making it useful for early-season forage or visual interest in naturalized settings. The large leaves emerge after flowering and provide ground cover in damp, disturbed areas where many ornamentals struggle. Compared to native spring ephemerals, coltsfoot tolerates compacted and poor soils more readily, though it lacks the ecological value of native alternatives in most regions.
Watch out for
This plant spreads vigorously and can be difficult to contain once established; plan for regular monitoring and removal if you wish to prevent it from dominating planting areas. In wet seasons, the dense foliage may trap moisture and encourage fungal issues, particularly in poorly drained soils.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native Range
Europe and Western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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