Other common names

None listed

Scientific name

Nicotiana attenuata

Family

Solanaceae

Description

Coyote tobacco grows from a low cluster of leaves. It can grow tall and upright, or in a branched, shrubby form. The entire plant is sticky and often looks dirty. This native plant is considered a sensitive species in Washington State. Native Americans reported used the plant for medicinal purposes, as well as ceremonial smoking. The plant gives off an unpleasant tobacco scent when touched.

• Stems

  Erect, bright green, glossy, hairy and sticky.

• Leaves

  Lower leaves are more or less spear-shaped and have smooth edges and pale midribs. The leaf stem and midrib on the underside have short, bristly hairs. Upper leaves are narrow and smaller, with similar bristles. All leaves are hairy and have glands that look like tiny white dots.

• Flowers

  White to slightly pinkish trumpet-shaped or tubular flowers occur in clusters at the ends of the stems and along the stem where leaves meet the stem.

• Roots

  Grows a taproot.

Native to

North America

Where it grows

Disturbed sites, dry rocky washes, well-drained slopes and other dry sites.

Life cycle

Annual (sprouts, flowers and dies in a single year)

Reproduction

Reproduces by seed

Control methods

Little information is available about the control of coyote tobacco. As for all annuals, control relies on preventing production of seed. Once produced, seed remains viable for decades. Plants continue to sprout during the summer months.