Coltsfoot Plant Care

Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Tussilago genus. Coltsfoot is native to Europe and parts of western and central Asia. Coltsfoot is also known as Butterbur.

Coltsfoot displays a spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Coltsfoot produces yellow daisy-like flowers in early spring.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Coltsfoot every 3–5 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Coltsfoot thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Tussilago farfara tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Coltsfoot prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Coltsfoot to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Coltsfoot is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Coltsfoot can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Coltsfoot while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Coltsfoot is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Coltsfoot can be propagated through seeds.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Coltsfoot is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Coltsfoot grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Coltsfoot is native to Europe and parts of western and central Asia. In cooler regions, grow Coltsfoot as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.