Note — a concession to the algorithms. Drafted for search engines; not recommended for pleasure reading.

HomeGlossary › Tussilago farfara

What Is Tussilago farfara? | Première Peau

FLOWERS  /  floral · sweet · green
Tussilago farfara
Tussilago farfara perfume ingredient
CategoryFLOWERS
Subcategoryfloral · sweet · green
Origin
VolatilityHeart Note
BotanicalTussilago farfara
AppearanceDark green to brown viscous liquid
Odor StrengthMedium
Producing CountriesAsia, Europe
PyramidHeart

Herbal-green, faintly honey-sweet, and medicinal. Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) has been used in herbal medicine for millennia — the flower smells mildly green-herbal with a honey-like sweetness.

  1. Scent
  2. The Full Story
  3. Fun Fact
  4. Extraction & Chemistry
  5. In Perfumery
  6. See Also

Scent

The aroma of Tussilago farfara is sweet, warm, and somewhat earthy, like honey orsyrup. It carries a subtle floral undertone, which adds to its charm. Imagine walking through a sunlit meadow in early spring, where the air is filled with the gentle scent of blooming flowers mingling with the freshness of dew. This floral sweetness is balanced by a soft, herbal depth.

Scent Evolution

As Tussilago farfara unfolds on theskin, the initial sweetness becomes more pronounced, like freshly harvestedhoneycomb. This honey-like quality is complemented by a whisper of green, like fresh leaves, which adds a refreshing aspect to the overall profile. The fragrance evolves gracefully.

Evolution over time

Immediately

Immediately

After a few hours

After a few hours

After a few days

After a few days

The Full Story

Tussilago farfara, commonly known as coltsfoot, is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. This plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly for respiratory ailments. Its leaves and flowers have been employed for centuries in herbal remedies, primarily because of their soothing properties. Beyond its medicinal uses, Tussilago farfara has grown in perfumery, for its distinctively sweet,honey-like aroma that evokes a sense of warmth and nostalgia.

Origin and Production

The plant is native to Europe and parts of Asia, thriving in moist, disturbed soils, often found in meadows and along riverbanks. It blooms early in the spring, producing brightyellow flowersthat are among the first to appear after winter. The leaves develop later in the season. The harvesting of Tussilago farfara is typically done during its flowering stage to capture the most potent aromatic qualities.

Chemistry and Scent Profile

in perfumery, Tussilago farfara is valued for its fragrance and because it can enhance and enrich floral compositions. It appears in both niche and mainstream fragrances. The note contributes a soft, sweet, and slightly earthy character.lavender,chamomile, and citrus.

Role in Perfumery

As the perfume industry continues to explore the boundaries of natural ingredients, Tussilago farfara stands out as a notable addition to modern fragrance compositions. Its aromatic properties evoke memories of springtime blooms and connect wearers to a long-standing tradition of herbal healing and the beauty of the natural world.

Did You Know?

Coltsfoot has been used in herbal medicine since ancient times, often prescribed for coughs and respiratory issues because of soothing properties.

Did You Know?

Did you know?
Coltsfoot has been used in herbal medicine since ancient times, often prescribed for coughs and respiratory issues because of soothing properties.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method: Steam distillation of the flowers and leaves

Molecular FormulaComplex mixture — contains tussilagone, senkirkine (pyrrolizidine alkaloid)
CAS Number90131-64-5 (Tussilago farfara extract)
Botanical NameTussilago farfara
IFRA StatusNo known restrictions
SynonymsCOLTSFOOT · COUGHWORT · BULL'S FOOT
Physical Properties
Odor StrengthMedium
AppearanceDark green to brown viscous liquid

In Perfumery

Tussilago farfara is a heart note in perfumery, lending a soft, sweet, and slightly earthy character that enhances floral compositions. It pairs beautifully with other floral notes such as jasmine and rose, as well as herbal elements like thyme and mint. This versatility allows it to be integrated into a wide array of fragrances, from uplifting and fresh to warm.

See Also

Premiere Peau Perfumery Glossary. Explore all 75 ingredient entries