Species Information

• coltsfoot
• Tussilago farfara L.
• USDA Symbol: TUFA
• Oregon Noxious Weed Designation: A
• Pictures

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Identification: Perennial; flowers in April or early spring. Grows 4 to 8 inches tall. Bright yellow flowers similar to dandelions appear before leaves emerge. White, fluffy seed heads. Large deep green leaves develop later, often forming a complete canopy covering the soil. Top leaf surface has a smooth, almost waxy appearance, underside is covered with white wool-like hairs. Leaf stems and larger leaf veins distinctly purple in color. Spreads by underground rhizomes, producing dense patches of foliage 10 to 20 feet in diameter. Oregon populations have only been found at a few locations and have been associated with nursery production.

Impacts: The most common location for coltsfoot is on roadsides, both township roads and highways. From there, it can spread by seed or rhizomes to adjacent fields. While this weed does not spread rapidly, it is of concern because there are very few herbicides that will control it adequately, and it thrives in several crops. Plant can be very competative in nursery and vegetable crops. Tillage only increases plant density. Oregon populations have only been found at a few locations and have been associated with nursery production. Coltsfoot has been a weedy pest of container grown nursery stock.

Biological Controls: Biological control agents are not used on "A" listed weeds in Oregon. If this weed is found in the state it will be managed for eradication or containment.

Oregon Maps of Coltsfoot Distribution

Links:

USDA Plants Database information on coltsfoot

GRIN Database information on coltsfoot

Oregon Department of Agriculture information on coltsfoot