Tussilago farfara

Tussilago farfara, commonly known as Coltsfoot, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is native to Europe and parts of western and central Asia. The plant is often found in disturbed habitats, including roadsides and waste places.

Description

Tussilago farfara is a low-growing plant with a fleshy, creeping rhizome. The leaves are large, up to 30 cm across, and are heart-shaped at the base. The flowers are yellow and daisy-like, and appear in early spring before the leaves. The fruit is a small, brown achene.

Uses

Tussilago farfara has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is known for its expectorant properties, and has been used to treat coughs and respiratory conditions. The leaves and flowers can be used to make a soothing tea. However, the plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be toxic to the liver and lungs if consumed in large quantities.

Cultivation

Tussilago farfara is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of conditions. It prefers full sun to partial shade, and well-drained soil. The plant can be propagated by seed or by division of the rhizome.

Conservation

While Tussilago farfara is not currently considered threatened, its habitat is being lost due to urban development and agricultural intensification. Conservation efforts are focused on preserving its habitat and preventing overharvesting for medicinal use.

See also

• List of Asteraceae genera
• Medicinal plants

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