Coltsfoot and Dandelion Compared

Many have mentioned that it is difficult to tell dandelion and coltsfoot apart. Today I had the opportunity to document both plants. I made no effort to try for exceptional composition or lighting. The sole purpose was to demonstrate the differences in the plants.


Coltsfoot is one of the earliest blooming flowers in our area. When it first comes up there are no leaves visible, just the stalk with a flower on the end. Look closely at the stalk and notice that it is not smooth. Later the clusters of large leaves appear around the base of the plant. These usually appear late in the blooming cycle of the plant or after the flower has vanished.

Coltsfoot:Canon 100mmf2.8 macro

Dandelion has smooth stalks and elongated serrated leaves. The flower resembles the coltsfoot at a casual glance, but close inspection reveals a substantial difference. Dandelion begins blooming about the time that the coltsfoot blooms are in decline.

Dandelion: Canon 100mmf2.8 macro