Tussilago farfara
TAXONOMY
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusTussilago
Zone4
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Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Tussilago farfara, commonly known as coltsfoot, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to Europe and parts of Asia but has spread to other temperate regions. The plant is known for its bright yellow flowers that appear in early spring before the leaves. Coltsfoot has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for respiratory ailments.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Coltsfoot
Colt's-Foot
Hippukozzrsi
Cineraria farfara
Farfara radiata
Petasites farfara
Tussilago alpestris
Tussilago generalis
Tussilago radiata
Tussilago ruderalis
Tussilago rupestris
Tussilago umbertina
Tussilago vulgaris
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightMedium (6 Hours)
Temperature15° C
Humidity60%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Coltsfoot is relatively easy to care for. It prefers moderate temperatures and can tolerate a range of light conditions, though it thrives best in medium light. Water the plant when the soil partially dries out, and maintain moderate humidity levels. It is hardy and can withstand cooler temperatures.Soil
Coltsfoot prefers well-draining loamy soil with moderate nutrient levels. Ensure the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. It can tolerate a range of soil pH levels but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-10. Fertilize the plant once in early spring to support its growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.Repotting
Repot coltsfoot every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its container. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage. Gently remove the plant from its current pot, shake off excess soil, and place it in the new pot with fresh loamy soil.Propagation
Coltsfoot can be propagated by seed or division. For seed propagation, sow seeds in early spring. For division, separate the rhizomes in early spring or fall and plant them in well-prepared soil.Pruning
Pruning is not generally required for coltsfoot. However, you can remove spent flowers and any dead or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking tidy and to encourage new growth.Toxicity
Coltsfoot is not toxic to pets or humans. However, it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be harmful in large quantities if ingested. It is advisable to use it with caution in herbal preparations.Additional
Coltsfoot is often one of the first plants to flower in spring, making it a valuable early nectar source for pollinators. It can spread aggressively through its rhizomes, so consider planting it in a contained area to prevent it from becoming invasive.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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