Jacob's staff

plural Jacob's staffs

1. geographyA single straight rod or staff, pointed and iron-shod at the bottom, for penetrating the ground, and having a socket joint at the top, used, instead of a tripod, for supporting a compass.
2. Verbascum thapsus, the common mullein.

   Synonyms: torchwort, hag-taper, common mullein, great mullein, Adam's flannel, Aaron's rod, Jupiter's staff, cow's lungwort

3. The ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens), one of certain desert shrubs of southwestern United States and Mexico having slender naked spiny branches that after the rainy season put forth foliage and clusters of red flowers.

   Synonyms: coachwhip, candlewood, slimwood, desert coral, Jacob cactus, vine cactus