Indian Tobacco (Nicotiana quadrivalvis) is native to arid and semi-arid regions of western North America from Oregon to northern Mexico, and holds significance for many western Native cultures. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including dry slopes, prairies, and open woodlands. The plants have attractive light green leaves and tall flowering stalks adorned with large trumpet-shaped flowers. 
 
Typically blooming from late spring to fall, with its flowers reaching their peak during the summer months, the exact blooming period may vary slightly. Indian Tobacco flowers are pollinated by various night-flying insects, such as moths and bats, that are attracted to their sweet scent and open structure, as well as hummingbirds attracted by the flower shape. While it may serve as a host plant for specialist caterpillars of specific moths, Indian Tobacco’s high nicotine content serves as a potent chemical defense against most predators. The species is also of great cultural significance to many Native American nations.
 
Indian Tobacco prefers well-drained soils, including sandy or loamy soils. For germination, Indian Tobacco seeds can be sown directly onto prepared soil in the early spring after risk of frost has passed. Treating seeds and/or soil with smoke water or fine biochar may improve germination.