What Is Coltsfoot Flower?
Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) is a low perennial plant of the daisy family that grows across Europe and Asia and has spread to North America. It is one of the first wildflowers of the year: in late winter and early spring, scaly stems topped with bright yellow, dandelion-like flower heads appear on bare clay soils, roadsides and riverbanks, long before any leaves.
The large, roughly hoof-shaped leaves only come up after the flowers have faded, which gave the plant its common name and the old Latin saying filius ante patrem, the son before the father. The name Tussilago comes from the Latin tussis, cough, which tells of its long role in European herbal history.
In herbal trade the dried flowers are called Farfarae flos. However, coltsfoot naturally contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, compounds that can damage the liver, and today many health authorities advise against internal use. For that reason we offer coltsfoot flowers for botanical collections, herbal study and craft use, not for tea.
Dried coltsfoot flowers keep their golden color well and are used in pressed flower art, botanical displays and herbaria.
Our coltsfoot flowers contain only dried Tussilago farfara flowers with nothing added. They are sold by weight, from small packs to bulk.
How to Use Coltsfoot Flower
- Botanical collections: Use the dried flowers for herbarium sheets and herbal study collections.
- Crafts: The golden flower heads add color to pressed flower art and botanical decorations.
- Handle with care: Keep separate from culinary herbs and teas, and wash your hands after handling.
Safety
Not for internal use. Coltsfoot naturally contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause serious liver damage, and many health authorities advise against drinking coltsfoot tea. Do not use during pregnancy or while nursing, and never give to children. Keep away from food products, children and pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make coltsfoot tea?
We do not recommend it. Coltsfoot contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can damage the liver, and many health authorities advise against internal use.
Why does coltsfoot flower before its leaves appear?
Coltsfoot is a very early spring plant. Its flowers appear first, and the leaves grow only after flowering.
What is the difference between coltsfoot and dandelion?
Coltsfoot flowers appear on scaly, leafless stems in early spring. Dandelion flowers grow above a rosette of toothed leaves.
What is Farfarae flos?
It is the Latin herbal name for dried coltsfoot flowers.
How should I store coltsfoot flowers?
Keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from food, children and pets.
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