Sometimes red, sometimes blue. Sometimes any other colorful hue. Around me red, you may circle about. But see me black, you might pout.

I am brown, often round, and I was born underground. Irish and hobbits are known to eat me. You can mash me or stick me in a stew. I could even power a lightbulb.

Lost at sea, Ill surely drown. Home to America but my parents are rarely around. I perfer calm waters, and whistling streams. I was once a wooden beam.

I brighten the world with colors bold, in gardens and fields my beauty unfolds. I'm a gift of love and fragrance sweet, yet my time is brief in the sun's warm heat.

I’m a crucial part of a dragon’s defense. I also help measure incense. To reach a mountain top, you’ll do this, or if you need to cook a fish. What am I?