Before spring fully awakens, a small yet powerful flower emerges. Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) resembles a dandelion but holds its own magic. Blooming before its leaves appear, it has long symbolized resilience and healing.
A Plant of Many Names
Known as son-before-father, horsehoof, and coughwort, coltsfoot’s Latin name Tussilago comes from tussis, meaning “cough.” Its flowers bloom and fade before the leaves emerge, a sign of its hidden strength.
The Healing Properties
For centuries, coltsfoot has been used as a remedy for respiratory ailments. It’s a natural expectorant and anti-inflammatory, brewed into teas or made into syrups to ease coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. Some folklore even suggests carrying dried leaves to ward off illness.
The Mystery of Coltsfoot
In old Europe, coltsfoot was linked to underground water sources and believed to mark places where spirits passed. Yet, it carries a warning—modern studies caution against excessive use due to compounds that may affect the liver. Like many gifts of nature, it demands respect and wisdom.
Finding Coltsfoot
These golden blooms have appeared all around me this year, a welcome sign of nature’s quiet persistence. Look for its bright golden blooms in damp meadows and riverbanks in early spring. More than just a wildflower, coltsfoot is a relic of old-world wisdom, a messenger of change, and a plant steeped in both magic and caution. Have you ever encountered this hidden guardian of the seasons?
Take a look at the post that is from 2017, when going to find a colts foot was a whole trip 🙂
Take a look at the post from 2018, Nelle is so cute with that basket! Unfortunately, I don’t know where this basket is now:
Colts foot is growing around our house now and I love it!
Ilze
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a day in the life of a latvian mom 
There so pretty and feel like sunshine.
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They truly feel like it! Imagine 100 of these around you 🙂
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What a wise and wonderful little plant. Thanks for sharing about it. I had no idea 🙂
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It really is a special plant! I’m so glad you found it interesting. 😊 Nature has so many little wonders waiting to be noticed!
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It’s a lovely little flower, you take great photos, Ilze!! ❤️😊
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Thank you so much! 😊 Coltsfoot is such a cheerful little flower—it’s always a joy to capture its beauty. ❤️ I like photography, but no time to do it properly 🙂
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Fascinating
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I know! Nature is beautiful 🙂
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Thank you for sharing this Ilze. There’s one particular place I always see coltsfoot bloom, next to a tiny river and a bridge so interesting that is is often found where spirits pass!
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That sounds like such a magical spot—how beautiful that the coltsfoot always blooms there! I love how certain plants seem to return to the same places year after year, almost like guardians of those spaces. And yes, it’s so fascinating how coltsfoot is often found near paths or crossings… places where, as you said, spirits might pass. There’s something very comforting and symbolic about that. Thank you for sharing this lovely image! 🌿✨
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