World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments

by Aimee Nezhukumatathil

I can’t help but break into a sunny smile when I say the various nicknames for dandelions out loud: Dogposy. Clockflower. Live-longs. Fortune-teller plant. Bessyclock. Witch gowan. Swine’s snout. Tell-time. Lion’s tooth. Bumpipe. Heartfever grass.