General: Tree Tobacco (Nicotiana glauca) is a short, many stemmed-tree (or large shrub) with rubbery, green leaves. The flowers are yellow, long and tubular, and occur in large clusters.

Around Las Vegas, Tree Tobacco is an uncommon components of wash communities in the Lower Sonoran (Creosote-Bursage Flats) and Upper Sonoran (Mojave Desert Scrub) life zones. Look for this species in wet areas, especially areas along the lower Las Vegas Wash (Wetlands Preserve) and Lake Mead.

This is an invasive weed. If hikers and other visitors to the native habitats around Las Vegas see this species, please report the local land management agency because some are actively working to eradicate it (so hopefully you won't see it anywhere). Tree Tobacco is on the "Watch Weeds" list in the Lower Las Vegas Wash. If you have this species on your private property, please consider eradicating it.

Family: Nightshade (Solanaceae).

Other Names:

Plant Form: Many branching tree or large shrub.

Height: Usually 10-15 ft, to about 20 ft.

Trunk: Many branches beginning near the ground.

Leaves: Thick, rubbery, and entire with smooth edges. Leaves glabrous (without hairs) and glaucous (covered with a white, powdery film that is easy to rub off).

Flowers: Blooms late spring to early summer. Flowers long, tubular, yellow.

Seeds:

Habitat: Disturbed lands.

Distribution: This invasive species is native to South America. It has become established across the southern U.S. and a few more-northern areas.

Elevation: Near sea level to 3,500 feet.

Comments: Invasive Weed. This species still is uncommon around Las Vegas -- let's keep it that way!