Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)
Care, watering, light and tips for Coltsfoot on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Asteraceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 0–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Coltsfoot
Tussilago farfara, commonly known as coltsfoot, is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Asteraceae family, distinguished by its yellow, dandelion-like flowers that appear before the leaves. Its heart-shaped or hoof-shaped leaves are green on the upper side and whitish and felt-like on the underside. It is ideal for revegetating slopes, hard-to-reach areas, or as ground cover in natural gardens, especially in areas with moist or clayey soils.
Native range
Europe and temperate Asia
Care tips
Coltsfoot thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist, even somewhat clayey, well-draining soils. It is a very hardy and tolerant plant, but its growth is optimal with consistent moisture. Avoid growing it in small pots or very dry soils, as this can limit its development and flowering. It spreads easily by rhizomes, so it's important to manage its expansion if you don't want it to colonize large areas.
How to save a dying Coltsfoot
- Warning signs
- Wilting or yellowing leaves, especially with wet soil. Brown, soft spots on leaves or stems.
- First aid
- Check drainage. If waterlogged, carefully remove excess water. Reduce watering immediately.
- What kills it
- Overwatering is its worst enemy, quickly causing root rot.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly at the first signs of rot. Good drainage is key.