Tussilago

Growth form:

Grows to 30cm. The plant is commonly known as colt's foot, tussilago is the Genus name. It is a perennial with creeping rhizomes, dull yellow flowers in early spring that turn into a dandelion-like seed head.

Uses:

Edible: Tender leaves are eaten n soups and salads.

Medicinal: Used to treat coughs, skin ulcers, and sores. Flowers reduce phlegm, inflammation, and stimulate immune cells. Use with caution externally- it contains small amounts of potentially damaging alkaloids, which research suggests are destroyed when the plant is boiled. All parts of plant contain mucilage, good for coughs and bronchitis. Dedoct leaves for colds, flu, and asthma.