A Bit of a Runner - Coltsfoot

Coltsfoot flowers on the canal bank

 The verge beside the canal towpath is ideally suited to Coltsfoot.  It emerges en mass at this time of year with its dandelion like flowers which open and close with the light.

The flowering shoots appear first:

Coltsfoot - Tussilago farfara L

Followed by the waxy, vaguely maple leaf shaped, leaves as seen in the centre of the following picture:

These persist when the flower stalks waste away.  Reproduction is both by wind dispersal of seed and vegetatively through rhizomes that reach a metre down into the soil.  There are between 1500 and 3,500 seeds per plant. With these characteristics you will not be surprised that it is a very persistent visitor - once it has a hoofhold.  Like rosebaywillowherb it will travel the full length of the canal (or motorway).

What's it good for:  It has a reputation as a medicinal herb, especially recommended as a cough remedy. Mineral content is very high in sodium, magnesium and calcium.