Sonoran Desert Naturalist >>> Field Guide >>> Sonoran Desert Flora >>> Solanaceae >>> Nicotiana glauca

Tree Tobacco

Nicotianna glauca

 

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

 
Watercolor copyright by Michael Plagens

Watercolor from live specimen.

FLOWERS: Groups of pale yellow, tubular flowers appear nearly year-round at the ends of branches and are attractive to hummingbirds.

TREE:1 to 4 m. A short-lived tree with little wood. Often produces new shoots from underground runners.

RANGE: Widespread and common on river flood plains and in human-disturbed habitats. Probably introduced from tropical America many generations ago.

LEAVES: Large leaves with glaucus (smooth) and waxy texture. The leaves contain high concentration of nicotine.

FRUIT: Dry capsules with many seeds.

UNARMED Plant is without thorns, but is likely toxic to many potential plant-eaters.

Photo by Norm Johnson

Photographed near Safford, Arizona by Norm.

Solanaceae -- Nightshade Family

Sponsored Links:

More Information:


Sonoran Desert Field Guide
Sonoran Desert Places
Sonoran Desert Naturalist Home Page


  Google

Copyright Michael J. Plagens, 1999-2009