Species library · Plants & herbs
Tussilago farfara
Coltsfoot is classed as poisonous in the Forage field guide. This page helps you identify it and tell it apart from similar species. It is not a foraging guide. When in doubt, have a find identified by an expert.
If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away. If someone has trouble breathing, has a seizure or is unconscious, call emergency services. Don't wait for symptoms: with some poisonings they only start hours later. Keep any leftovers of the find, they help identify it.
Usually seen from March to April in the northern hemisphere. Found in Disturbed ground, Grassland. Can be confused with similar species.
Photo: Daria, no known copyright restrictions (public domain) · iNaturalist
Typical window in the northern hemisphere. The southern hemisphere runs about six months offset.
Coltsfoot is usually found in Disturbed ground, Grassland.
In the Forage app, Coltsfoot has a full field guide entry with more photos, key features and the species it can be confused with.
Yes. Coltsfoot is classed as poisonous in the Forage field guide. Do not eat it. If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away, or emergency services if it is life-threatening.
Coltsfoot usually appears from March to April in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather.
Coltsfoot is usually found in Disturbed ground, Grassland.
Toxic look-alikes: Butterbur, Common groundsel, Marsh marigold. Only a confident identification tells them apart. When in doubt, have a find checked by an expert.
Forage helps you discover and identify wild plants, but identification is never 100% certain. Many edible plants have toxic lookalikes. Never eat anything you find based only on what this app tells you. Always confirm with a field guide, an experienced forager or a local expert. The season score tells you where to look, too: it’s not a guarantee. Mind conservation law and property rights as well.
Species photos via Wikimedia Commons and iNaturalist · full credits
Butterbur☠ toxic
Common groundsel☠ toxic
Marsh marigold☠ toxic
