Ricinus communis

Probably native to tropical Africa, castor bean plant is an erect, rapid-growing tender perennial that is grown in St. Louis as a warm weather annual. In certain parts of the U.S., including Missouri, it has escaped gardens and naturalized in fields, waste areas and along roadsides. It will grow rapidly in a single season to 6-10 tall. Ornamentally, it is most valued for its (1) huge, palmately lobed (5-11 pointed lobes), toothed, glossy green leaves (each to 1-3 across) and (2) round, spiny, reddish-brown seed capsules. Small cup-shaped apetulous greenish-yellow flowers in spikes are not part... more »

Probably native to tropical Africa, castor bean plant is an erect, rapid-growing tender perennial that is grown in St. Louis as a warm weather annual. In certain parts of the U.S., including Missouri, it has escaped gardens and naturalized in fields, waste areas and along roadsides. It will grow rapidly in a single season to 6-10 tall. Ornamentally, it is most valued for its (1) huge, palmately lobed (5-11 pointed lobes), toothed, glossy green leaves (each to 1-3 across) and (2) round, spiny, reddish-brown seed capsules. Small cup-shaped apetulous greenish-yellow flowers in spikes are not particularly showy. Each female flower has a red stigma. Ricinus (tick) and communis (common) are in reference to the tick-like appearance of the seeds. Every part of this plant is POISONOUS if ingested, particularly the seeds which contain highly toxic ricin. Oil from the seeds has been used in a wide variety of industrial applications. Castor oil can be extracted from the seeds and is not toxic. Plant cultivars, dwarf and large, are available, some having attractive reddish, bronze or purple leaves and some having bright and colorful flowers. (less)