Cultivated Tobacco

(Nicotiana tabacum)

Cultivated Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Nicotiana tabacum, commonly known as Cultivated Tobacco, is an annual or perennial herb native to South Americas. It typically grows 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet) high and has sticky, hairy foliage. The plant has thick, sparingly branched stems. Its inflorescences are multi-branched panicles with fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that are usually pink but can vary in color. The flowers are particularly notable for their evening scent, designed to attract pollinators. Almost every part of the plant except the seed contains nicotine, a potent alkaloid.

Cultivated Tobacco is valued for its aromatic flowers and its historical and cultural significance. It requires careful management due to its sensitivity to environmental conditions. Optimal growth occurs at temperatures of 20–30 °C (68–86 °F) with atmospheric humidity of 80 to 85%. It prefers soils with good drainage and moderate nitrogen levels. While it thrives in full sun, it can tolerate partial shade. In cultivation, it is used for its leaves in the production of tobacco products and occasionally as an ornamental plant. However, it can be invasive outside its native range, and its cultivation is regulated in many areas due to its potential for abuse and health risks associated with tobacco use.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 3-6 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers

Other Names

Common Names: Tobacco, Tabak, Virginischer Tabak, Tabaco, Tabac, Tabac Commun, Tabacco, Echte Tabak, Fumo, Virginiatobak

Scientific Names: , Nicotiana tabacum, Nicotiana attenuata, Nicotiana repanda, Nicotiana tabacum var. pallescens, Nicotiana tabacum var. macrophylla, Nicotiana macrophylla, Nicotiana virginica, Nicotiana tabacum var. serotina, Nicotiana tabacum var. virginica

GBIF Accepted Name: Nicotiana tabacum L.