Wildflower - Coltsfoot

The early spring wildflowers are starting to appear and today I spotted some bright yellow flowers along Joyce Road. At first I thought it was the ever abundant dandelions but I soon realized it was Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara).



Although coltsfoot flowers resemble dandelion blossoms, the two plants are easily distinguished by their stems. Coltsfoot has red scales along its flower stems, while dandelion flower stems are completely smooth. Coltsfoot prefers cool, damp clay soil but can also grow in full sun. It grows along stream banks and dirt roads