Tussilago farfara ( Coltsfoot )
A vigorous spreading perennial that is native to Europe but naturalized in temperate regions of Canada and the U.S. It is found on sandy banks and gravelly roadsides in the wild. It has naturalized as far north as Nelson, British Columbia to Tobermory, Ontario to Haliburton, Ontario to Newfoundland. It makes a great groundcover harsh sites but may turn into a garden thug on more fertile sites.
The rounded leaves, up to 8 x 8 inches in size, are downy, white beneath.
The yellow dandilion-like flowers, up to 0.7 inches wide, are borne early to mid spring before the foliage emerges.
A very tasty syrup can be obtained by boiling the leaves then adding additional flavoring. The fresh leaves are also edible. Hardy zones 3 to 7.
* photos taken on Aug 4 2013 in Bayfield, Ontario
* photo taken on Sep 18 2016 @ Patuxent Research Refuge, Laurel, MD
* photo taken on July 9 2022 in Bayfield, ON
* photos taken on Aug 16 2024 in Bayfield, ON
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