Names and Taxonomy
- Common Names: Desert Tobacco, Little Tobacco, Tabaquillo, Punche
- Synonyms: Nicotiana trigonophylla
- Family: Solanaceae (Nightshades, Potato)
- Genus Information: 5 species in NV, 9 in CA, 12 species in US
Nicotiana obtusifolia
Desert Tobacco
It is known for its sticky, fragrant leaves and trumpet-shaped, greenish-white flowers. It is a perennial herb that grows up to 3 feet tall and is found in arid, rocky areas. The leaves have blades up to 10 centimetres (4 in) long, the lower ones borne on short petioles, the upper ones smaller and clasping the stem. While historically used for medicinal and ceremonial purposes, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested due to the presence of nicotine and anabasine, and it should not be consumed by humans or livestock. It has sticky, glandular hairs covering its stems and oval to lance-shaped leaves. Trumpet-shaped flowers, with five lobes, and are typically greenish-white or pale yellow. They can bloom year-round depending on conditions.
