Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Tussilago farfara is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from February to April, and the seeds ripen from March to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. The plant is self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasant aniseed flavour, they add a distinctive aromatic flavour to salads. — Flower buds and young flowers - raw or cooked.; A pleasant aniseed flavour, they add a distinctive aromatic flavour to salads.; Young leaves - raw or cooked.; They can be used in salads, added to soups, or cooked as a vegetable.

Habitat & North American Range

Damp habitats, frequently on alkaline clays, in hedgebanks, roadsides, wasteland, often as a pioneer, and on dunes and shingle in coastal zones. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)