Tree Tobacco (Nicotiana glauca)

Tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca) is a wild tobacco species native to South America. On other continents, tree tobacco is considered an invasive species. All parts of this plant are poisonous.

I. Appearance and Characteristics 

Nicotiana glauca is a species of flowering plant in the tobacco genus Nicotiana of the nightshade family Solanaceae. It is known by the common name tree tobacco. 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.

The plant is commonly known in English as tree tobacco, Brazilian tree tobacco, shrub tobacco, wild tobacco, tobacco tree, tobacco bush, tobacco plant, and mustard tree.

In Spanish and throughout Latin America, it is known by many names including: tabaco moro (“Moorish tobacco”), palancho, and palán palán.

Its botanical name, Nicotiana glauca, was given to it in 1828 by Robert Graham. The genus is named after Jean Nicot (c.1530-1600), a French ambassador to Portugal, who sent tobacco seeds and powdered leaves from Lisbon to France.

Nicotiana glauca is a small tree or shrub with many branches that normally grows to over 2 m, but can reach as high as 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.

Nicotiana glauca can pose a threat to native species by outcompeting them for resources and is classified as an invasive species in many parts of the world. In some management programmes, the beetle Malabris aculeata has been successfully deployed as a biological control agent. Every part of the plant is potentially poisonous to humans and livestock.

Toxic to Humans

Tree tobacco is the most dangerous plant in the tobacco family because it is the most toxic. Nicotine, an alkaloid, is always toxic and potentially fatal, but anabasine, one of its isomers, will kill you if you ingest enough of it. Its presence makes tree tobacco one of the most poisonous plants in existence. Small amounts will cause nausea and vomiting, whereas larger amounts can lead to death. Symptoms of anabasine poisoning include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, drooling, cold sweat, pallor, rapid breathing and heartbeat, loss of motor control, severe headache, trembling, seizures, fainting, and eventually, low or irregular heartbeat and respiratory failure as the body exhausts itself. Don’t ever let your small children or other vulnerable people near this plant.

Toxic to Dogs

Tree tobacco contains many toxins that are severely poisonous to dogs when ingested, creating a medical emergency. All parts of the plant are toxic. Symptoms include nausea, nervousness, rapid heart rate, paralysis, and possibly death.

Toxic to Cats

Consumption of tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca) can result in severe toxicological damage for felines. Veterinary attention should be sought immediately if a cat is seen nibbling on this plant. Some individual plants are more poisonous than others, varying in accordance with the amount of toxin in its leaves and stems. Symptoms include vomiting, dizziness, malaise, collapse, and even death.

II. How to Grow and Care

Sunlight

Tree tobacco is tolerant of heat and sunlight; hence, it prefers a sunny environment.

Watering

Originating from arid regions, tree tobacco has adapted to thrive with minimal moisture, exhibiting a high drought tolerance. It prefers a dry environment and maintains its water balance even in low humidity conditions. For healthy growth, it requires watering every week. As an evergreen plant, tree tobacco is well-suited for outdoor cultivation where it can bask in full sun, which aids in its efficient water usage and retention.

Fertilizing

For tree tobacco, use high nitrogen fertilizers to support robust growth, especially during its active growing season in spring and summer. Fertilize monthly with a balanced, controlled-release type, ensuring a dosage according to the product’s label – typically a light application suffices. Benefits include enhanced vigor and better flowering. Avoid over-fertilization; it can lead to excessive foliage at the expense of blooms and can harm the environment. During autumn and winter, reduce frequency as tree tobacco’s growth slows. Always water tree tobacco thoroughly after applying fertilizer to distribute nutrients and prevent root burn.

Pruning

They do not need pruning but it is recommended to trim the withered flower stems.

Propagation

Tree tobacco’s ideal propagation season is during Spring and Summer. The preferred method is by cuttings, which is moderately difficult. Signs of successful propagation include new leaf growth. Ensure proper humidity and rooting hormone for better results.

Transplanting

The finest season for transplanting tree tobacco ranges from late winter to early spring, offering adequate time for root establishment before growth season. Emerge tree tobacco at a sunny location with well-drained soil. While transplanting, provide plentiful water, ensuring optimal hydration for solid establishment.

Overwintering

Tree tobacco hails from warm, South American climates, naturally absorbing winter light rather than facing frosty conditions. Despite this, it flaunts surprising resilience to cooler weather but requires targeted care. Gardeners, keep your tree tobacco sheltered, ensuring good sunlight and minimal frost exposure. Do remember, though, tree tobacco can rebound from root systems come spring even if frost claims its upper growth!

Pests and Diseases

They are plants very resistant to the usual pests and diseases.

III. Uses and Benefits 

• Medicinal uses

The plant is used for a variety of medicinal purposes by Native American groups. The Cahuilla people used leaves interchangeably with other tobacco species in religious rituals and as a poultice to treat swellings, bruises, cuts, wounds, boils, sores, inflamed throat, and swollen glands. It contains high doses of the alkaloids anabasine and nicotine such that ingestion of the leaves can be fatal. It is being investigated for use as a biofuel.