Raisdale is not known for its dandelions—Teeth of the Lion. But this is a splendid crop. Beloved by children for their time-telling attribute and wish-granting parachute seeds, as if horology and magic come naturally to plants. Its garish yellow flowers chase the sun like sycophants and offer pollinators an early-season breakfast. Every part of it is allegedly edible, nutritious even, though that feels more like a threat than a recommendation. People have somehow convinced themselves it makes a good coffee substitute or wine — because clearly, despair knows no bounds.
Its roots penetrate compacted soil like nature’s own crowbar, heroically fending off erosion while releasing a latex no one asked for. It also doubles as a yellow dye, should you wish your garments to resemble something forgotten in a field. And yes, it has the charming side effect of making children wet the bed. Delightful.
Its seeds, ever the opportunists, drift on the wind in search of new lands to invade, sometime catching a lift on cargo ships to bless America — a quaint reciprocal gesture for their Grey Squirrel. No customs, no tariffs. Just weeds for rodents. A fair trade, if you squint.
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