Tussilago farfara is a perennial, herbaceous plant that invades disturbed areas throughout much of the eastern United States.
Foliage
The basal leaves are heart-shaped, slightly toothed and up to 6 in. (15.2 cm) wide.
Flowers
The dandelion-like flowers are bright yellow in color and emerge before the leaves in early spring.
Fruit
The white, fluffy seed heads resemble dandelions. It also reproduces through rhizomes.
Ecological Threat
Tussilago farfara invades moist, open, disturbed areas such as stream banks, ditches and fields. It readily spreads both by seed and rhizomes, allowing it to form large colonies, which can displace native species. Tussilago farfara is native to Europe and was probably introduced into the United States by early settlers for medicinal purposes.