I start as a flower but grow underground, a wood-like shell waiting to be found. Two in a pod, but not a true nut. What am I, that makes elephants happy and sound?

It causes the mightiest king to fall the same as the basest peasant. Oh, and apples too.

I’m found in socks, scarves, and mittens, and often in the paws of playful kittens.

I spread my limbs up to the air My children fall upon the ground Or do I tint a coat of mare? A tired joke gone round and round But you'd be wrong If you had thunk I was a loon Inside a trunk

I race with thunder but I always go first, I light up the clouds like they’re ready to burst.