Download Plant Card 2016-08 Ricinus communis.pub

Castor Bean
Ricinus commnis
Castor Bean
Ricinus communis
Stem & Leaf Type: her baceous
Size: 6-10’ tall; 2-4’ wide
USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
Leaves: huge, palmately lobed, toothed, glossy,
may cause allergic skin reaction
Leaf Color: gr een, sometimes with r eddish color s
Fall Color: n/a
Flowers: apetulous gr eenish-yellow flowers in
spikes, female flower with red stigma; June-October
Fruit: spiny, r eddish br own seed capsules, poisonous
Light: full sun to par t shade, toler ates full shade
Moisture: moist, well-drained.
Insect/Disease Issues: No ser ious pr oblems. Spider mites may appear. All parts
of plant poisonous!
Nativity: Nor theaster n Afr ica to Middle East
Location in the
Gardens: Campanile Gar den
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Culture & Landscape Value:
This bold and large annual plant is best used in large planting beds
or very large containers. Grow in full sun and moist, well-drained
soils. Plants will tolerate some shade, but prefer the full sun. Many
will grow 8’+ in one season, although some dwarf cultivars exist.
All parts of this plant are poisonous and this species is the source of
castor oil—which is not toxic. Plants grown from garden collected
seed have some variation in size and leaf color (more green to more
burgundy). Plants can set seed that overwinters in the garden, but
seedlings are easy to identify and rouge out in spring if they are not
desired. Grow from seed soaked overnight in water 6 weeks prior
to setting outside. Ricinus is a monotypic genus containing just
one species.
Notes:
Several cultivars are available. Here are a couple to look for:
‘Scarlet Queen’ - burgundy leaves and bright orange-red flowers
‘Carmencita’ - a very nice cultivar with bronzy leaves, red flowers
growing 5’ to 6’ tall.
‘Laciniatus’ - deeply divided green leaves
Months of Interest:
August 2016
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