Coyote Tobacco

Nicotiana attenuata

Native to:
Canada, Mexican Pacific Is., Mexico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Solanaceae
Genus:
Nicotiana
Species:
Nicotiana attenuata
USDA Symbol:
NIAT

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
150 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
white, cream

Reported Fauna Sightings

Moths:Five-spotted hawk moth (Manduca quinquemaculatus)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
hawkmoths, hummingbirds
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Pioneer species that colonizes disturbed and post-fire sites. Seed germination is stimulated by smoke and charred wood compounds.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, nutrient-poor, well-drained soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
Adapted to disturbed, arid environments

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
10–21 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and do not cover. Germinates best at warm temperatures (20-25°C).

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Germination occurs at 30D/20N C alternating temperature cycle. Germination occurs in the presence of light.

Establishment: N. attenuata is found throughout the Great Plains south to California, Arizona and New Mexico.

Source: npn.rngr.net

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Requires light / surface sow (fine seed).

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society