

COMMON COLTSFOOT. 551 



It is propagated by slips, with a few of the small roots 

 attached. Both of the sorts are classed as hardy peren- 

 nials ; but, in the Northern and Eastern States, the plants 

 are frequently destroyed in severe winters. 



Use. "The flowers, which are the parts principally used, 

 have long been in high repute, both in the popular and scien- 

 tific Materia Medica, and give out their properties by infusion 

 in either water or alcohol. The flowers are also sometimes 

 used in the manufacture of bitter beer, and, along with 

 Wormwood, made, to a certain extent, a substitute for hops. 

 In many parts of England, the peasants have what they call 

 a ' Chamomile seat ' at the end of their gardens, which is 

 constructed by cutting out a bench in a bank of earth, and 

 planting it thickly with the Double-flowering variety ; on 

 which they delight to sit, and fancy it conducive to health." 

 Nclnt. 



It is considered a safe bitter, and tonic ; though strong 

 infusions, when taken warm, sometimes act as an emetic. 



COMMON COLTSFOOT. 



Tussilago farfara. 



A hardy, herbaceous, perennial plant. The leaves are all 

 radical, roundish-heart-shaped, and from five to seven inches 

 in diameter ; the flower-stem (scape) is six or seven inches 

 high, imbricated, and produces a solitary yellow flower, 

 which is about an inch in diameter. The plants blossom in 

 February and March, before the appearance of the leaves, 

 and often while the ground is still frozen, and even covered 

 with snow. 



Propagation and Culture. Coltsfoot thrives best in rich, 

 moist soil. It may be propagated from seeds, but is gen- 

 erally increased by dividing its long, creeping roots. The 



