Herb. No. 075 · Solanaceae
Andean origin; a licensed agricultural crop on several continents.
Native · South America
Tobacco
Nicotiana tabacum
The nightshade that built an industry — a teaching plate for nicotine, addiction, and why 'natural' is not safer.
A legal agricultural crop under licensing in many places. Unlicensed commercial production is regulated. Nicotine products are age-restricted. Home ornamental growing is often legal; selling leaf is not the same as growing a few flowers. Check local law.
Tobacco is a potent nicotinic poison that humans learned to titrate. Smoked, chewed, or vaped it remains a leading cause of preventable death. Historical medicinal uses (enemas, poultices, worming) are museum pieces. This plate exists so the plant is named, not romanticized. Green leaf can sicken harvesters through the skin (GTS).
Flavor
Cured leaf is sweet-hay, leather, and bitterness. Green leaf is rank and should not be tasted as a curiosity.
Parts used
None recommended for self-care. Licensed nicotine replacement is a drug, not a garden product.
In favor
- Teaches addiction botany
- Nicotine-replacement drugs exist for people quitting
Against
- Cancer, heart and lung disease
- Extremely addictive
- Green-leaf poisoning
- Secondhand harm