Dandy Lion
As the spring thaws frosty earth, a familiar, hardy seed sprouts. The warm rays of light call it to surface; it unfurls its jagged leaves, debuts its soft, bright yellow mane, lets out a soft mew. Unlike its newborn kin-flowers, this one is sentient and magical.
Dandy Lions range between 20 - 50 cm tall, with 4 - 5 cm wide flowerheads, and 20 ft long taproots. They also grow five broad, green, toothy leaves that can reach 40 cm and can gently grasp neighboring plants. Unlike other dandelions, a Dandy Lion will only have one flowerhead at a time. They can be found in almost any vegetated habitat: fertile gardens, rocky hillsides, boreal forests, temperate woodlands, prairies, and other grasslands.
If undisturbed, a Dandy Lion can live up to thirteen years before its roots shrivel up and decay. During this time, a Dandy Lion may produce a maximum of 1,287 offspring. Due to their reproductive cycle, germination requirements, and increasing usage of weed killers, Dandy Lions are a rarity; there may be fewer than thirty left in existence. However, even if the Dandy Lions cease to exist, their mundane, yet cheerful offspring will most certainly carry on.
The Life of a Flower
The Dandy Lion is a sexless fae creature and rooted plant. Like all dandelions, it sprouts from a seed and grows a lavish bloom, which wilts and is replaced by a white puff-ball composed of umbrella-like seeds. Each dandelion flower can produce between 50 - 200 seeds, but a Dandy Lion's bloom will always produce exactly 99 once a year; out of these, all but one will generate a regular dandelion through self-pollination. However, in order for the Dandy Lion seed to germinate, it must be cross-pollinated by a field fairy.
Once pollinated and carried away by the wind, the seed must land in a location outside of a tree’s shade. Additionally, the seed must be exposed to the full moon's light within seven days of touching ground, otherwise it decays. If requirements are met, roots develop and spread rapidly. Next, a thick, hollow stem pierces the earth, growing jagged leaves and a single bud.
The flower or seed head is the source of the creature’s consciousness－which is absent during development, wilting, and rebudding. While aware, the Dandy Lion lightly interacts with its small, consistent world by pulling or pushing other plants with its feeble leaves. More notably, Dandy Lions sometimes mew at nearby creatures－a sound that is often mistaken for a far off, kitten cry.
Once a bloom has seeded and dispersed, the head will wilt and decay. A new bud will develop in a year. A Dandy Lion is typically only conscious during the late spring, remaining unaware for most of its life.
To kill a Dandy Lion, no more than half an inch must be left in the earth. If more than that remains, it will regrow. Potent pesticides will prevent regeneration, and some will even destroy the entirety of the taproot, effectively eradicating the fae. If regeneration is prevented, the creature will live on, but will remain unconscious and unable to reproduce.
Dandy Lions are a gentle, infantile species. Unlike many fae, they cannot speak and can only make a few distinct noises. They also are unable to move, aside from weak actions performed by their broad leaves. When happy, the flowerhead will open and close its mouth repeatedly. When angered, it will slowly wave its leaves in a circular motion. If saddened, it will close up its bloom or appear to droop. The most well known ability of the Dandy Lion is wish granting. In fact, its cherished talent has passed into dandelion folklore of the Appalachian region. This knowledge was passed to humans by other fae creatures, but has become distorted over the years, now referencing any dandelion (which has been greatly beneficial to the spread of the plant). Truly, though, if you pluck a Dandy Lion and blow away its seeds, it will be immensely happy that you’ve sent its offspring far into the world where they may prosper. In thanks, it will grant you one wish. However, the plant cannot tell you so; thus, it is up to the individual to differentiate between the common dandelion and the Dandy Lion- or make a wish on every bloom. However, if a Dandy Lion is maliciously or carelessly killed, the individual will have thirteen years of bad luck and their unsaid wish never granted.
Dandelion & Dandy Lion Recipes
Since plucking the flower, stem, leaves, and some of the roots does not kill the plant (and can even help it), try some of these recipes:
Dandelion Tea
Roast finely chopped dandelion roots in a non-stick or cast iron pan on medium heat until lightly browned and aromatic (do not burn the roots; it will make the flavor bitter).
Mix eight ounces of boiling water per one teaspoon of the roasted root. Steep for ten to fifteen minutes, then strain.
Flavor to taste with milk, honey, and sugar.
Dandelion Jam
Pick dandelion flowers and remove the stem (green sections).
Pour eight ounces of boiling water over petals per quarter of a cup of petals. Let steep at room temperature overnight until a dark yellow color.
Strain brew and mix three cups of tea, two tablespoons of lemon juice, and one box of powdered pectin in a large saucepan and bring to a boil.
Add four and a half cups of sugar, mix, bring to a boil for an additional two minutes.
Pour mixture into jelly jars. Make sure to leave a quarter of an inch between the jelly's surface and the rim.
Use on toast, butter rolls, and pancakes.