2008 First Wildflower: Coltsfoot

Tussilago farfara
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This plant is a European introduction. The genus name, from the Latin tussis ("a cough"), alludes to the plant's reputation as a cure for coughs. An extract of fresh leaves can be used for making cough drops or hard candy, and its dried leaves can be steeped for a tea. Contains traces of liver-affecting pyrrolizidine alkaloids, potentially toxic in large doses.

from National Audubon Society Field Guide to Wildflowers (Eastern Region) and
Peterson Field Guides Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants

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