Tobacco Plant (Nicotiana)

Nicotiana is a genus of flowering plants in the nightshade family, commonly called tobacco plants. This catalog entry represents the genus rather than a single species or cultivar, so mature size, flower form, fragrance, and seasonal behavior depend on the particular plant. The North Carolina Extension profile for N. alata describes one common ornamental type, while noting that nursery flowering tobaccos also include compact hybrids with different traits. [North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/nicotiana-alata/common-name/nicotiana/) ## Landscape Uses Use species- or cultivar-specific information when choosing a site or estimating mature size; do not assume the traits of N. alata apply to every Nicotiana. ## Maintenance For an identified N. alata, the Extension profile recommends moist, well-drained, organic-rich soil and notes low drought tolerance. Follow the care guidance for the selected species or cultivar, since this genus-level listing does not establish a single plant’s requirements.