Pipe-weed

Pipe-weed (also known as Halflings' Leaf) is a tobacco developed by the Hobbits of the Shire, the production of which is a major industry there, especially in the south. Among the Dúnedain it is known as sweet galenas, and in Gondor it grows as a wild plant, appreciated primarily for its sweet-scented flowers.

In Gondor it is known popularly as westmansweed, a reference to its origin: it was apparently brought to Middle-earth by Númenóreans during the Second Age. It was first grown among Hobbits by Tobold Hornblower in Longbottom (a region in the Shire) around S.R. 1070 (T.A. 2670). Despite its foreign origins, the Hobbits (possibly those in Bree) were the first to use it for smoking.

Popular varieties of pipe-weed include Longbottom Leaf, Old Toby, and Southern Star.

The Wizard Gandalf learned to smoke pipe-weed from the Hobbits and is often seen blowing smoke-rings. Saruman initially derides him for this, but at some point he takes up smoking himself. After the destruction of Isengard, pipe-weed is found among its stores, but the Hobbits Merry and Pippin fail to realize the sinister implications of the discovery that Saruman has had commerce with the Shire.