Aaron’s Rod (Mullein)

Striking spike shoots up
from the woolly furry
star-like pile of leaves
on the wasteland floor;
pale round, lemony
soft and smiley
flowers open one by one:
surprise and laughter among the scrub and stones!

Such lovely flowers opening onto this dry spike do come as a bit of a surprise! so I guess the name Aaron’s Rod is a reference to the miracle of Aaron’s rod budding overnight, and flowering and fruiting, as a sign from God because his appointment of Aaron had been challenged.  [Book of Numbers 17:1-10]