Coltsfoot

Photography by Lisa Scherer. Vintage botanical image by C.A.M Lindman (1901)

The Coltsfoot plant was in bloom here in Marianna in late March when temperatures were above 50. It grows abundantly along roadways in Marianna and is native to Europe and parts of western and central Asia. Coltsfoot leaves come up later in the season and by fall they are quiet large. The leaf is used to make medicine, and despite serious safety concerns, people use this for a variety of ailments such as asthma and bronchitis. 

Not everything natural is safe, many plants can sicken or kill you. Do not use or eat any wild plant unless you have expert advise on a plant and its side effects; it's always good to educate yourself and seek advice from a Naturophathic physician and your regular family doctor. 

Nonetheless, this is a fascinating plant that has been used for thousands of years, and was even used in France as the symbol for Apothecaries. It was also the first wildflower to bloom here this year, and honeybees were quick to find it in search of early pollen and nectar.