Tussilago farfara, commonly known as Coltsfoot, a plant in the family Asteraceae, and for me one of the heralds of spring!

it is indeed coltsfoot. I also see it is a welcome sign of spring, though it can be invasive.

Must say wouldn't want it in the garden but walking down by the burn seeing it and lesser celandine always makes my heart swell.

It doesn't grow round here and I do miss it. It seems to prefer a fairly heavy clay. Did you know its good for coughs? You used to be able to get a cough mixture called Coltsfoot Pine and Honey Balsam, which was the most effective one I ever tried. Then the powers that be made them take out the coltsfoot, leaving just a sweet syrup that was no more effective than any of the others. But you can still get coltsfoot rock from health food shops, and that works - don't tell Health and Safety!
There used to be (still is?) a cough mixture called Antussin and the ad was "Calms the nerves that make you cough". the active ingredient was coltsfoot, or a synthetic copy.

We have a very light sandy soil Steragram though the coltsfoot and celandines are growing in leaf litter but definitely no clay.

It used to grow in the sandy soil on the limestone cliffs and paths where I grew up in Sunderland. So I always associate it with coastal habitats. but it does grow in the neighbours gravel drive.

I agree MG celandine is pretty but not in my flower beds. there is a bit in the wilder places of the garden.

Coltsfoot... im amazed the information and i must say proud to have it ,its actually growing by the front door which is north facing(a safe place) along with some bluebells and more recently 2 papavers all growing happily...big thanks as they say you learn something new everyday.... many many big thanks to everyone... p. ;-)

Wow, MG & SBG - I wonder why it doesn't grow round here then. I feel swindled.

Have a look at my blogs - with photos of same.

No idea Sterag. has no problem growing near us... Perhaps you could try spreading some seed around and see what happens.

Don't know where to get any!

On line :)