Woodland Tobacco Nicotiana sylvestris
ABOUT
The plant known as Woodland Tobacco is an elegant and showy species that exudes a distinctive charm. It features large, lush green leaves that are elongated and slightly wavy, giving off a robust and hearty appearance. The foliage forms a substantial base from which elongates a towering spike adorned with numerous, tubular flowers. These blossoms are pure white and exquisitely scented, particularly noticeable in the evenings. The trumpet-shaped flowers are arranged in a loose, elongated cluster that gracefully hangs over the foliage, providing an almost luminescent show in the twilight hours. The simple yet striking contrast between the white flowers and the deep green of the leaves makes Woodland Tobacco a notable presence in any garden setting where it is grown. The overall impression of the plant is one of a wild beauty, combining elegant floral displays with a strong, leafy foundation.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Solanaceae
Synonyms
Woodland Tobacco, Flowering Tobacco, South American Tobacco, Tree Tobacco, Wild Tobacco
Common names
Nicotiana sylvestris.
ToxicityTo humans
Woodland tobacco is known to be toxic to humans. It contains nicotine and other alkaloids which can lead to poisoning if ingested. The symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and can escalate to tremors, seizures, or even respiratory failure in severe cases. Ingesting a significant amount of woodland tobacco can be fatal.
To pets
Woodland tobacco is also toxic to pets. Ingestion of leaves or other parts of the plant can cause similar symptoms to those in humans, such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, increased heart rate, trembling, seizures, and potentially death if left untreated. Nicotine and alkaloids present in woodland tobacco can be dangerous to pets even in small quantities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Nicotiana sylvestris, commonly known as Woodland Tobacco, is often used in gardens for its tall, elegant white flowers that provide a visual appeal.
- Attracts pollinators: The long, tubular flowers of Woodland Tobacco are known to attract hummingbirds, moths, and bees, which can help pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Night fragrance: Woodland Tobacco emits a strong, sweet scent in the evening, which can add a pleasant fragrance to nighttime gardens.
- Sunlight Demand: Being a sun-loving plant, it can thrive in sunny areas of the garden, helping to fill spaces that receive full sun.
- Ease of growth: Woodland Tobacco is relatively easy to grow from seed and maintain, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, this plant can tolerate periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Foliage contrast: With its large, rosette-forming leaves, Woodland Tobacco can provide interesting textural contrast in plantings or mixed borders.
- Naturalizing effect: It can readily self-seed under suitable conditions, which can help to create a naturalized look in the garden over time.
- Quick coverage: The fast growth rate of Woodland Tobacco enables it to quickly fill in garden spaces, offering a rapid solution for bare spots.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Nicotiana sylvestris, commonly known as Woodland Tobacco, can be used as an ornamental plant due to its striking white flowers and pleasant evening fragrance, which can add a sensory appeal to gardens.
- The plant may serve as a natural insect repellent when grown in the garden, as it emits a strong scent that some pests find unattractive.
- Woodland Tobacco has been used as a traditional source of coloring agents by indigenous people, often extracting a green or yellow dye from the leaves.
- Its dead flower stalks, being relatively sturdy, have been repurposed for small-scale crafting or gardening stakes in some cultures.
- In certain cultures, dried flower parts of the Woodland Tobacco have been used in decorative art, such as making collages or embellishing traditional costumes.
- Woodland Tobacco's abundance of nectar-rich flowers makes it valuable for those looking to attract and support populations of night-pollinating insects like moths.
- The leaves of this plant have been historically used as an organic mulch, which gradually decomposes and adds nutrients back to the soil.
- Some gardeners use the large leaves of Woodland Tobacco in composting, as they are rich in nitrogen and break down relatively quickly.
- The robust root system of Nicotiana sylvestris can be leveraged for erosion control in certain landscapes, as it helps stabilize the soil.
- Woodland Tobacco, due to its tall growth, can be strategically planted to provide a temporary green privacy screen during the warmer months.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Woodland Tobacco is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Woodland Tobacco is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Attraction and Magnetism: With its sweet-smelling flowers that open up at night, Nicotiana sylvestris, commonly known as Woodland Tobacco, symbolizes attraction and the power to draw others in, playing on its strong fragrance which attracts nighttime pollinators.
- Temptation: Its connection to the tobacco family gives Woodland Tobacco a symbolic meaning related to temptation and potentially harmful allure, referencing the addictive properties of its relatives.
- Healing and Medicinal Properties: Historically, indigenous cultures have used various Nicotiana species for medicinal purposes, and in plant symbolism, Woodland Tobacco can therefore symbolize healing and traditional remedies.
- Warning or Caution: Due to its toxic properties when consumed inappropriately, Woodland Tobacco can also come to symbolize warning or the need for caution.
WaterFor Woodland Tobacco, water the plant deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During hot and dry periods, increase watering to twice a week. Each watering session should provide enough water to soak the top six to eight inches of the soil. Depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions, use about half a gallon to two gallons of water per week. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to prevent over-watering and root rot.
LightWoodland Tobacco thrives in full sun to partial shade. The best spot for the plant is an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, while still having some protection during the hottest part of the day. East or west-facing locations are ideal, providing a balance of morning sunshine and afternoon shade.
TemperatureWoodland Tobacco prefers a temperature range between 60°F and 75°F during its growing season. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 40°F but is not frost-tolerant. The ideal temperature conditions are moderate, so avoid placing the plant in areas where temperatures exceed 85°F or drop significantly at night.
PruningPrune Woodland Tobacco to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Remove spent flowers regularly to promote continuous flowering throughout the season. Pruning is best performed in the morning or evening and should be done monthly during the growing season, or as needed to maintain shape and remove damaged stems.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Woodland Tobacco, the best soil mix is well-draining and fertile, with a good amount of organic matter like compost or peat. The ideal soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, roughly between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingWoodland Tobacco should be repotted annually to promote healthy growth, ideally in the spring before the new growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingWoodland Tobacco thrives at a moderate humidity level, around 40-60%. Avoid overly dry air or excessively damp conditions to maintain plant health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Woodland Tobacco in bright, indirect light with some humidity.
Outdoor
Plant Woodland Tobacco in partial shade, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleNicotiana sylvestris, commonly known as Woodland tobacco, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in warm, moist soil, typically in early spring. The seedlings emerge and grow into young plants which develop a rosette of leaves at the soil surface. As the plant matures, it elongates into a tall stem with large, sticky leaves and eventually produces clusters of white, tubular flowers, which are commonly seen in summer and are strongly fragrant at night. These flowers are pollinated by moths, leading to the formation of seed capsules containing numerous small seeds. After seed set, the plant senesces; the seeds are dispersed by wind or gravity to begin the next generation. In non-tropical regions, Woodland tobacco behaves as an annual or biennial, dying after seed production, but in areas without frost, it can persist and possibly behave as a perennial, regrowing from the base following mild winters.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagation for Nicotiana sylvestris, commonly known as Woodland Tobacco, is through seed sowing. The optimal time for seed propagation is late winter to early spring. To propagate, one would typically scatter the tiny seeds onto the surface of a well-draining seed starting mix, lightly pressing them into the soil as they need light to germinate. It is important to maintain moisture but avoid waterlogging. Germination can take anywhere from 10 to 20 days at a temperature of around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius). Seedlings should be grown on in cooler conditions until they are large enough to handle. Finally, hardened off seedlings can be transplanted outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
