South American Tobacco

Nicotiana sylvestris

Native to:
Argentina, Bolivia

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Solanaceae
Genus:
Nicotiana
Species:
Nicotiana sylvestris
USDA Symbol:
NISY

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
150 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
white

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
hummingbirds, moths
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
native to forest understories, prefers organic matter

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 70-75°F.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

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

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society