Tussilago farfara -Coltsfoot

This is one of Ontario's native plants, albeit introduced from Europe. It has a wide range in Eastern North America, and blooms in Spring. It is a rhizomatous plant with 1 yellow flower head atop a scaly stalk. I look forward to seeing them emerge each year as they have such as intense, rich yellow colour only opening with the sunshine. The common name 'Coltsfoot' refers to the supposed resemblance of the leaf to a colt's foot. They can be invasive , however swathes of them are quite welcoming to see. The leaves are produced once the flowers goes to seed. The Latin name 'tussis' (cough) alludes to the plants reputation as a cure for coughs. An extract of fresh leaves can be used for making cough drops, and the dried leaves can be steeped for tea.