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Euphorbiaceae
Castor Bean Flower
Ricinus communis
Power and danger.
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Genus
- Ricinus
- Native to
- East Africa, Mediterranean
- Bloom season
- Summer, Fall
- Type
- herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 6-15 ft
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil
- Rich, moist, well-drained
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 9-11
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- Castor bean seeds contain ricin, one of the most toxic naturally occurring substances known—just a few seeds can be lethal.
- Despite the seeds' extreme toxicity, castor oil is perfectly safe because ricin is destroyed during the extraction process.
- The plant can grow over 6 feet in a single season in warm climates, earning it a reputation as a fast dramatic screen.
- Castor oil has been used for over 4,000 years—ancient Egyptians burned it in lamps and used it medicinally.
- The spiny red seed capsules are strikingly ornamental, giving the plant additional visual interest after flowering.
Color meanings
0
protection
1
transformation
2
caution