Tussilago farara
Asteraceae
February to April, but most obvious in March.
It is found throughout the country.
See the BSBI distribution map for Colt's-foot
Colt's-foot grows in damp areas, such as, sandy
cliff slopes, sand dunes, shingle, spoil heaps,
seepage areas, grassland, river and canal banks,
wasteland and beside roads and footpaths.
It is regarded as a weed in agriculture.
Colt's-foot is a native, perennial, rhizomatous herb,
growing up to 15cm.
Flowerheads are bright yellow (15-35mm).
Ray florets are in several layers, ligulate and female.
The stigmas are yellow and branched
Disc florets are male. The corolla tube has 5 yellow
teeth and the 5 stamens form a closed cylinder
round the style.
Bracts are numerous, green and purple.
The seed clock has light brown achenes.
Pappi are composed of many long, simple hairs.
Flowers appear before the leaves and the
flowerheads droop after fertilisation and become
erect again as the fruits ripen.
Leaves appear after the flowers and can be up
to 30cm.
The stems have large purple of green scales.
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Group of Colt's-foot flowerheads
Flowerhead - disc florets male, ray florets female
Close-up of male florets. 5 corolla teeth,
brown emerging stamens, yellow anthers
Female ligulate florets with branched stigmas
Purple and green bracts
Seed clocks
Clock with feathery pappi and brown achenes
Flowerheads and leaves
Leaf
Scaly stems
Close-up of stem scales
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