PlantFiles: Woodland Tobacco
Nicotiana sylvestris

These annuals are NOT for the faint of heart, nor for the gardener who gets intimidated at TALL plants. They are massive growers with stems reaching 4-6 feet, and leaves which can measure up to 20" in length & 8-10" wide! I grew a few from seeds this spring in peat pots, and transplanted to their garden locations at 3-4" in height. Growth is rapid and can take over a 3-4 square foot area easily: So do plan accordingly and give them room.

My only experience with this plant was this year (2006), and I noted (like James above) that gnats and other insects get trapped by the sticky residue on the leaves and flowers. This is unsightly when plants are covered with gnats. I must add they are very easily grown after seeds have germinated, and the tiny plants have developed two sets of true leaves.

Plant wintersowed nicely. It seems to be very happy in a spot that gets morning and afternoon sun and midday shade.

I wish to add some little bits about this nifty (and stinky-leafed) plant.

What I would call a "Winter Annual," that is, surviving zones 7 or 6 winters if it did not bloom the first season. I'm starting the seeds in situ in fall in warmer areas of my garden. (Heavy leaf mulch is always good.) They will return in spring to bloom early throughout the summer and even some after the first frost!

The leaves are sticky and often attract insects like fly paper, killing gnats by the hundred, someimtes coatin ghe leaves with dead insects until a rain. I do not know what kind of gnats (beneficial/pest) but it is quite pleasing to see!

Also extremely tolerant of full hot sun and dry air. -A good desert plant; many "full sun" things will fry at high altitude.

I have read somewhere about smoking this species. I'm not personally interested in the practice, but:
Nicotiana tabacum is the traditional smokable species.
Not processing one's leaves properly can leave (Fatally?) high levels of toxins in the leaves. Studies show that (proper, informed) propagation of one's own tobacco is much healthier than commercial additive-ridden tobaccos. (and hyper-tax free) But it is still not exactly good for your health.

A tiny start given to me by my favorite gardener, I really had no idea about this plant - will be a staple in my garden - and in pots on my deck as the jasmine fragrance in the evening is exotic!! It's very easy to just tip with your finger the dried seed pod into a paper envelope to collect seed. Very neat....as seeds are very tiny. I'm Zone 3-4 in this part of central Montana.

grew great in Maine i want to see if it winters well

is this the smoking tobacco?does anyone know.....

It actually grows and looks good in my SW bed! (Most plants fail to thrive in that exposure.) AND being right against the brick wall, it has enough protection for the roots to make it through the winter here in zone 6! So the plants are going to need dividing soon! Those drooping flowers are so interesting looking and the foliage a refreshing lime green.

An old fashioned favorite grown for its fragrance and unique panicles of drooping white flowers. Plants grow up to 6 feet tall and prefer full sun.