The yellow dandelion-like flowers appear in early spring before the colt's footprint shaped leaves. The plant is commonly found in poor rocky soils but easily adapts to garden conditions. The leaves can be smoked and are said to relieve certain lung conditions. The plant and its extracts are found in many commercial cough formulations and tobacco substitutes; in fact Tussilago means "cough suppressant". Fill a jar with fresh flowers and cover with honey for a quick cough syrup. It has also been used to treat colds, flu, gout, fever and viral infections. It has been found to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids which can adversely affect the liver so it's probably a good idea to go easy on it.