Wild Tobacco: Aztec Tobacco – A Storied Plant of Ancient Use

Wild Tobacco (Nicotiana rustica), also known as Aztec Tobacco, is a plant steeped in history, stretching back to ancient times. Indigenous to the Americas, it was used by various cultures, including the Aztecs and Native Americans, for its strong medicinal and ritualistic properties. Unlike its cultivated cousin, Nicotiana tabacum, this wild version packs a potent punch, with larger, leathery leaves and flowers that bloom in a range of hues, from pale yellow to purple.

Known for its strong aroma, the plant grows tall—often 3–4 feet—and thrives in sunny, well-drained soil. In the garden, Wild Tobacco acts as a bold statement piece, its unusual flowers and large foliage drawing the eye. It’s often planted as an ornamental, attracting pollinators like bees and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich blooms.

In addition to its historical significance, Wild Tobacco is also a source of nicotine sulfate, which is often used as a natural insecticide.