Tobacco Plants are plants in the Nicotiana genus of the Nicotianoideae subfamily of the nightshade family (Solanaceae). See the Nightshades page for information about related plants in a different subfamily of the nightshade family.
Tobacco plants produce nicotine and/or other toxic compounds as insecticides to defend themselves against insects and/or to make themselves unpalatable to larger herbivores. Nicotiana tabacum is the species used for manufacturing tobacco products worldwide; these products are sold in many places throughout Woodland. However, the species you're more likely to find growing in the ground in Woodland are one that is native to Woodland and one that is an invasive weed.
Native Plants
Indian Tobacco (Nicotiana quadrivalvis) is a 4- to 7-foot-tall annual herb that is native to all of Woodland. It prefers full sun. Its flowers are usually white, sometimes pale yellowish green or pale purple. It is a source of nicotine, which functions as an insecticide to defend it against insects that eat it.
Invasive Weed
Tree Tobacco (Nicotiana glauca) is an invasive weed from South America. It usually grows 7 to 25 feet tall. Its flowers are yellow. Its leaves contain the toxic alkaloid anabasine and can kill people who eat them. U.C. Davis provides information on how to eradicate Tree Tobacco. The California Invasive Plant Council also provides eradication advice.
Links
Wikipedia: Nicotiana_quadrivalvis
California Invasive Plant Council: Nicotiana glauca
