Desert Tobacco

Desert Tobacco, also known by the Spanish name of Tabaquillo (Little Tobacco), is a native perennial relative of Coyote Tobacco.  Its native range is the desert southwest of the United States and Mexico, most commonly at elevations below 5,000 feet.  It prefers disturbed ground and desert washes and tolerates heat, drought, and poor soils.  Because it contains nicotine and other alkaloids, Desert Tobacco is poisonous to humans, livestock, and most animals.  It has long been used by native tribes for ceremonial and medicinal purposes.  Although a perennial plant in the low desert climate, it can be grown in colder areas as an annual.  Desert Tobacco may have potential uses in reclamation because of its ability to grow in conditions that are too adverse for many species.