tree tobacco

species: Nicotiana glauca

common name: tree tobacco

family: Solanaceae

where & when encountered: Salinas Valley - 1998

This striking roadside weed of South American origin did not fail to get my attention while driving around the Salinas Valley. It's a wild form of tobacco that some southwestern Native Americans have been known to smoke. Aesthetically, I've always liked the tubular flowers and rubbery leaves. The tree in these photos is a rare case of this plant being used for landscaping.