Key Facts
- Small multi-stemmed tree or large shrub with tubular yellow flowers
- Native to South America and naturalized in many arid and Mediterranean climates
- Drought tolerant and adapts to poor, rocky soils
- All plant parts contain alkaloids and are considered poisonous if ingested
- Often self-seeds and can naturalize or become weedy outside its native range
- Attracts hummingbirds and some pollinators to its tubular flowers
- Prefers full sun and good drainage
- Commonly grown from seed and can regrow from cuttings in warm conditions
Tree Tobacco is a small multi-stemmed tree or large shrub with tubular yellow flowers that attract hummingbirds while tolerating poor, dry soils. It is drought tolerant and easily self-seeds in warm regions, but all parts are poisonous and plants can naturalize outside their native range.
Identification
Look for a multi-stemmed shrub habit with narrow, grayish leaves and clusters of tubular yellow flowers that sit along the stems. Typical mature height ranges from about 6 to 20 feet and typical spread is roughly 6 to 12 feet, though plants vary by site and climate.
Where to grow and best uses
Use Tree Tobacco as a sun-loving accent or informal screen in arid and Mediterranean climates where drainage is good. It performs best in USDA zones about 8 to 11 and adapts to poor rocky or alkaline soils, making it useful on slopes or low-water landscapes but unsuitable where self-seeding would threaten native vegetation.
Planting and spacing
Sow seed or plant established stock in warm, well drained sites and allow room for a mature spread of 6 to 12 feet by spacing accordingly. Timing for sowing and planting varies with local climate, so start seed or set plants when conditions are warm and risk of hard frost has passed.
Light soil and watering
Provide full sun for best flowering though light shade is tolerated. Plant in well drained soil and avoid waterlogged locations because poor drainage reduces vigor and can cause root rot. Once established plants are drought tolerant and need only occasional supplemental watering.
After flowering and controlling spread
Remove seed pods and deadhead spent flowers to limit self-seeding and prevent unwanted naturalizing. Prune to shape or thin multi-stemmed growth in spring or after flowering. Check local invasive species lists before planting in regions where this species is known to spread.
Propagation
Propagate easily by seed and note that plants often self-seed in warm climates. Cuttings will root in favorable warm conditions so take soft wood or semi-ripe cuttings where winters are mild. Controlling seed set prevents unwanted patches and limits volunteers the following season.
Toxicity and safety
All parts contain nicotine and related alkaloids and are poisonous if ingested by people, pets or livestock. Keep plants away from areas used by children and animals and wear gloves when handling heavy growth or clearing seedlings. For clinical or veterinary concerns consult a poison control or university toxicology source.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does Tree Tobacco grow?
- Tree Tobacco often establishes quickly in warm, well drained sites and can reach typical mature size within a few years under favorable conditions.
- Is Tree Tobacco invasive?
- The species often self-seeds and can naturalize or become weedy outside its native range. Remove seed pods and check local invasive lists before planting.
- Can Tree Tobacco survive frost?
- It is generally winter hardy in roughly USDA zones 8 to 11. In colder areas plants may die back to the base or behave as short lived shrubs.
- How do I stop it from spreading?
- Deadhead and remove seed pods before seeds mature, pull seedlings promptly, and avoid placing plants where volunteers could escape into natural areas.
- How do I propagate Tree Tobacco?
- Propagate by seed or take cuttings in warm conditions. Preventing seed set limits unwanted volunteers from seed.
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