Common Names: Tree Tobacco, Brazilian Tree Tobacco, Shrub Tobacco, Wild Tobacco, Tobacco Tree, Tobacco Bush, Tobacco Plant, Mustard Tree
Synonyms: Nicotiana glauca
Family: Solanaceae (Nightshades)
Habit: shot-lived perennial tree/shrub
Size: up to 20 feet (7 m)
Flowers: yellow, gold
Bloom: All year
Leaves: alternate
Fruit: 1 cm capsule
Description:
Nicotiana glauca is a small tree or shrub with many branches that normally grows to over 6 feet (2 m), but can reach as high as 20 feet (7 m). Its leaves are thick and rubbery and can be up to 20 cm long. It has yellow tubular flowers about 5 cm long and 1 cm wide. The plant primarily reproduces by seed.
Distribution: AL, AZ, CA, FL, GA, HI, MD, NJ, NM, NV, OH, TX
Tree tobacco is native to South America but it is now widespread as an introduced species on other continents. It is a common roadside weed in the southwestern United States, and an invasive plant species in California native plant habitats.
Seen: NV (Las Vegas Wash)
Habitat: up to 5,000 feet in disturbed soils, vacant lots, along roadsides, streamsides, and other riparian areas
References:
Dawn Chorus: Anna’s Hummingbirds, Brave Winter, Using Sugar, Fueled Superpowers