Family: composites (Asteraceae)
Flowering time: February–May
Size: 5–15 cm (during flowering), up to 40 cm (after flowering)
Habitat: roadside verges, cultivated soil, embankments, and spoil heaps
The stem of the common coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) is clad with brownish-green scaly leaves. At the top of the stem develops a single inflorescence, which we call a head. This resembles a single flower, but in reality it is formed by numerous ligulate (strap-shaped) flowers surrounding the tubular flowers placed in the center. The common coltsfoot sends out underground shoots – rhizomes. Its round basal leaves with heart-shaped bases, which measure 10 to 20 cm in diameter, develop only after flowering. The common coltsfoot contains medicinal active compounds, but in addition to these it also produces poisonous substances!
Therefore for medical use, special varieties are grown that do not contain alkaloids. It is widespread and common throughout Slovenia.
