Filius ante patrem

Latest sightings
Picture of Tussilago farfara (Colt's-foot)
Tussilago farfara (Colt’s-foot). Photo: John Patmore
‘Filius ante patrem’ was once used as a name for Tussilago farfara (Colt’s-foot) meaning ‘son-before-father’. The bright yellow flowers first emerge in late February on Brighton Greenway local wildlife site. But once pollinated by bees or hoverflies they will soon seed, with only the ever-expanding green leaves remaining during summer.
This native plant has a fascinating medical history for curing coughs[1] and is still found in the heart of the city.
  1. See http://www.plant-lore.com/1191/coltsfoot/