Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara). The coltsfoot is a member of the Composite family, meaning that it is not one flower, but many smaller flowers. The coltsfoot is a native of Europe, which was imported to the United States to treat coughs (tussis is Latin for cough).? The leaves of the coltsfoot were used as an ingredient in herbal tobacco, which was smoked as a cure for asthma.? Coltsfoot tea was used for colds.? The undersides of the leaves are white and hairy, and are said to resemble a colt's foot, which led to the common name.? This plant is considered an invasive species.