Woodland tobacco (flowering tobacco) Nicotiana sylvestris
Woodland tobacco (flowering tobacco) (Nicotiana sylvestris) is an annual flowering plant in the Solanaceae family, native to North-western Argentina and Bolivia. It grows 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) tall and 50–70 cm (20–28 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
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Woodland tobacco (flowering tobacco) at a glance
| Type | Annual flowering plant |
|---|---|
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Mature height | 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50–70 cm (20–28 in) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | about 13–17 weeks after planting, for 9–14 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 130 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | North-western Argentina and Bolivia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Woodland tobacco (flowering tobacco) toxic?
- People: severely toxic
- Cats: severely toxic
- Dogs: severely toxic
- Parts: all parts
All parts hold nicotine and related alkaloids; poisonous if eaten, and sap can irritate the skin.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Woodland tobacco (flowering tobacco)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Florence fennel: Fennel releases growth-inhibiting compounds from roots and foliage; lab and garden reports show poorer growth of tomato, pepper and other nearby crops, so keep it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Smoke tree: Smoke tree is very susceptible to Verticillium wilt, which persists in soil after tomato, potato or aubergine crops; avoid planting it where those crops have wilted. Evidence C
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress tomatoes, peppers and many other vegetables nearby; grow it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Nightshades: Nightshades share late blight, early blight, Verticillium wilt and Colorado potato beetle; mix with other families and rotate the bed. Evidence B
- avoid With Potato: Potatoes are the main source of late blight (Phytophthora infestans) that spreads to tomatoes and other nightshades within a few metres. Evidence B
- caution With Sunflower: Sunflower residues and roots release phenolic compounds that can slow nearby seedlings; transplants are less affected. Evidence C
Questions about Woodland tobacco (flowering tobacco)
- How far apart should I plant Woodland tobacco (flowering tobacco)?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–70 cm (20–28 in).
- Does Woodland tobacco (flowering tobacco) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Woodland tobacco (flowering tobacco) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Woodland tobacco (flowering tobacco)?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Woodland tobacco (flowering tobacco) flower?
- About 13–17 weeks after planting, for 9–14 weeks.
- Is Woodland tobacco (flowering tobacco) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs severely toxic; for people severely toxic. All parts hold nicotine and related alkaloids; poisonous if eaten, and sap can irritate the skin.
- What grows well with Woodland tobacco (flowering tobacco)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Woodland tobacco (flowering tobacco). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- Poisonous plants of North Carolina / Plant Toolbox toxicity, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- A half-hardy annual in cool climates: sow under glass in spring and plant out after the last frost.
- Huge sticky leaves and a tall head of long, drooping white trumpets that perfume the air at dusk. A tender perennial grown as an annual, it often seeds itself. It is a wild parent of cultivated tobacco.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
- Cherry tomato Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
- Potato Solanum tuberosum
- Bell pepper Capsicum annuum
- Eggplant (aubergine) Solanum melongena
- Chili pepper Capsicum annuum (hot types)
- Petunia Petunia x hybrida
- Tomatillo Physalis philadelphica