Nicotiana Alata Blossom
A luminous floral note drawn from night-opening tobacco blossoms, pairing airy sweetness with a soft, leafy tobacco nuance.
Character
How it smells
Night-blooming floral warmth with a tobacco whisper
Nicotiana alata releases its fragrance mainly after dusk, when moth pollinators become active.
Origin
Brazil
Nicotiana alata, commonly called flowering tobacco or jasmine tobacco, belongs to the nightshade family, Solanaceae, and originated in southern Brazil and northeastern Argentina. Its long, tubular flowers open in the evening and release scent into the warm night air, traditionally attracting moths. The plant has long been valued as an ornamental species, and its perfume has often been compared with jasmine and petunia.
Although it shares a genus with tobacco crops used for smoking, N. alata is primarily known for its decorative flowers and evening fragrance. Research published in 2020 examined the composition and olfactory profile of Nicotiana flower concretes, noting that these blossoms had not previously been studied extensively as sources of aromatic products for cosmetics and perfumery.
This research helped document the flower's potential as a perfumery material and clarified its position between fresh floral sweetness and the green, herbaceous facets associated with the Nicotiana genus.
Wears it best
Fragrances featuring Nicotiana Alata Blossom
Brands
Brands known for Nicotiana Alata Blossom
Good to know
Questions, answered
The essentials on Nicotiana Alata Blossom in perfumery: how it smells, where it comes from, and how it behaves on skin.
What does Nicotiana alata blossom smell like?
It smells sweet and floral with airy green notes and a soft tobacco-like undertone. The scent is strongest in the evening, when the tubular flowers release their fragrance.
Is Nicotiana alata the same plant as smoking tobacco?
No. Nicotiana alata is flowering tobacco, an ornamental species valued for its fragrant blooms, while commercial tobacco comes mainly from Nicotiana tabacum. Both belong to the Solanaceae family.
When do Nicotiana alata flowers release their scent?
Their fragrance becomes most pronounced after dusk. The night-opening flowers attract moth pollinators, which explains their strong evening aroma.
How is Nicotiana alata blossom fragrance material made?
Fragrance material is usually made by extracting fresh flowers with solvents to create a concrete. The concentrated concrete is then diluted and incorporated into perfume formulations.
Is Nicotiana alata blossom material the same as tobacco absolute?
No. Tobacco absolute is extracted from cured Nicotiana tabacum leaves, while Nicotiana alata material comes from the flowers. Their source material and fragrance profiles differ.
Where is Nicotiana alata native?
Nicotiana alata is native to southern Brazil and northeastern Argentina. It later became widely cultivated as an ornamental flowering tobacco in warmer temperate regions.
Does Nicotiana alata blossom contain nicotine?
Like other Nicotiana species, it can contain nicotine, especially in its leaves. Its fragrance material comes from flowers and is not intended for consumption or smoking.
What perfumes suit a Nicotiana alata blossom note?
The note fits transparent floral, jasmine-like, and softly green compositions. It can also add a restrained tobacco nuance to airy woods or warm evening scents.
