The first wildflowers to bloom in Nova Scotia every spring are often mistaken for dandelions. Coltsfoot has small yellow flowers that will appear along the roadside and in moist waste areas as early as March. Their appearance usually coincides with first sightings of robins and pussywillows.
Non-natives, they were introduced to North America from Europe and are presently widespread across the Eastern Seaboard. In Europe, their image has sometimes been used as a logo for apothecaries (pharmacies). The blooms, stems and leaves have been regarded for millennia as a helpful medicinal herb.
Coltsfoot blooms appear long before the leaves. Once the blooms die away, large hoof-shaped leaves emerge. Dried leaves from last season can be seen in the image below. In summer, the leaves are usually a dark green with a velvety white underside.
Like dandelions, coltsfoot blooms close at night and on overcast days. Their closure often acts as a bioindicator for predicting rain.
Dried coltsfoot leaves have been smoked as a tobacco for relief of asthma and bronchial infections. As a cough remedy, they’ve also been steeped as a tea. Recent scientific research indicates that coltsfoot causes toxicity in the livers of rats. Whether it’s considered a remedy or a poison is likely dependent on dosage.
Downy coltsfoot blooms that have gone to seed are used by goldfinches as a lining for their nests.
I’ll keep a lookout for these. This is my first time hearing of them. I’m sure I would have mistaken them for dandelions if there were any around.
It’s good to know the difference between coltsfoot and dandelion. I’m wondering if we have them around here…
Don’t think I’ll be testing the leaves any time too soon to see if they’re nutritious or toxic.
Didn’t realize that the bloom appeared before the leaves. That’s pretty unusual.
Coltsfoot! I have been wondering what that non-dandelion was. Thank you!
These (tussilago farfara) are growing here as well, although not as abundant on our island as in some other areas. They are one of the earliest spring flowers, always welcome as a sign that the winter is ending.
Goldfinches are very tasteful, don’t you think? They always seem to do things with style. I did not know those things about coltsfoot. It’s nice to sit down with a cup of coffee and have a botany lesson.
Thank you for your comments everyone. Kathy and Gerry, I’m not sure if they’re found in Michigan but it’s nice to hear that they’re still thriving in Norway Eldrid.
Grace and Sybil, once you know about these things growing in Nova Scotia, you’ll notice them in a lot of places.
Anne, I wonder if the sheep on your island eat them.
There is another non dandelion, in french, Laiteron des champs or english Creeping sow-thistle.
latin for above: Sonchus arvensis L.
Gen, Qc
Horticulturalist
Coltsfoot, laiteron, and dandelion are all very medicinal. Anything ending in “officinalis” as a species actually means medicinal. Funny how most are weeds to many….
Ecogen, thank you for adding the extra information about this flower and others. I was unaware of the Laiteron des champs as well as the meaning of the ‘officinalis’ ending.