Nicotiana tabacum Tobacco (Solanaceae)

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Nicotiana tabacum
Tobacco
(1 Page of 5)

The Nicotiana tabacum plant species is found in S. America. Naturalized in C. and S. Europe. It is a member of the Solanaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Tobacco.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Nicotiana tabacum
Common Name:  Tobacco
Family:  Solanaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  All parts of the plant are poisonous[4, 19, 65, 76]. They contain a volatile oil called nicotine, this is a virulent poison that produces nausea, vomiting, sweating, palpitations and nausea[232].

Mature Height:  1.2   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Not known in a truly wild situation.

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a well-drained deep rich moist soil in a sunny position[1, 200]. Plants are not very hardy in Britain, but they can be grown as biennials in areas where winter temperatures do not fall below about -5°c[200]. A polymorphic species[50]. Tobacco is very widely cultivated for its leaves, there are many named varieties[183]. As well as being used as an insecticide, the leaves are used to make cigarrettes, cigars, snuff and for chewing. There are many long-term health problems associated with these uses, especially from cancer, lung, circulatory and heart diseases. The plant accumulates potassium[18]. The plant has sweetly scented flowers that release most of their scent in the evening and attract moths[30]. Plant requires more than 14 hours daylight per day in order to induce flowering[169].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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