There is a plant that gardeners hate
A favourite of mine
It’s called Ficaria verna or
The Lesser Celandine.
In February or early March
It spreads itself around
Its yellow flowers and dark green leaves
Can cover lots of ground.
It seems its leaves are edible
And very tasty fried
But must admit I’m dubious
And so I haven’t tried.
An early name was pilewort
Based on its tubers’ look,
From the Doctrine of Signatures
But I don't go by that book
I love it for its promise
That spring is on its way
And for the shining yellow faces
Which brighten up my day
The chief reason I admire it
Has naught to do with looks
I love it with a passion
For ignoring all my books!
These all, without exception,
State “petals 7-9”
(Though I found a slightly wiser one
Claims”8-12”, online.)
Over many years I’ve counted
And agree that the majority
Comply with the 7-9 rule
Stated with such authority.
But the celandine’s no reader
I’ve counted to 14
At other times, 4, 5, or 6
And all numbers in between.
And thus this weed, the gardeners’ bane,
Which brightens early spring
Gives me enormous pleasure
Just by doing its own thing
