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| Identification |
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Genus
Ricinus
Species
communis
Variety
Cultivar
Common names
castor bean
castor-oil plant
Family
EUPHORBIACEAE
Specimen number
S13751
Data source
Allergy p282;HtZn p163;MedPl p260;Xeri p280
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| Life cycle |
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Life form
Terrestrial
Life cycle
Annual
Life span
1 year
Annual cycle
Not applicable
Stature
Shrub
Growth form
Not applicable
Growth habit
Various
Overall height
4' - 15'
Overall spread
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| Climate |
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Sunshine
Various
Water
Moist
Optimal soil texture
Various
Acceptable soil pH
Neutral
USDA hardiness
Above 40� F
AHS heat zones
Heat zones 12-01
Sunset climate zones
Not classified
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| Garden |
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Suitable for gardens
yes
Nursery
Unknown
Compost
no
Size at acquisition
Unknown
Garden location
Unknown
Garden notes
This very tender plant can only survive nighttime temperatures of 40� Fahrenheit. Ricinus communis needs summer days with high heat. It needs soil that is moist.
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| Special qualities |
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Tolerates drought
no
Tolerates high humidity
no
Tolerates seaside conditions
no
Insect resistant
no
Disease resistant
no
Deer resistant
no
Best uses
Symbiosis
Attracts butterflies
no
Attracts hummingbirds
no
Autumn foliage
no
Colorful berries
no
Desirable qualities
Other interest
Other interest color
Other interest period
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| Adverse factors |
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Common pests
Poisonous parts
Seeds
Poisonous indications
Internal poison
no
Dermatologic poison
no
Livestock poison
no
Mechanical injury
no
Hay fever pollen
Strong
Hay fever season
Jan 01 - Dec 31
Adverse qualities
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| Herbal medicine |
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Medicinal properties
laxative
purgative
Medicinal parts
Seeds
Seed oil
Has medicinal uses
yes
Do not self-administer
no
Do no use if pregnant
yes
Legally restricted
no
Toxicity precautions
Its seeds are fatally poisonous.
Medicinal notes
Ricinus communis is thought to have beneficial uses as either a laxative or a purgative. Castor bean (sometimes called castor-oil plant) is not to be taken by pregnant women. The seeds and the seed oil are used in herbal preparations. Its seeds are fatally poisonous. The seeds of this plant are toxic. A well-known pollen producer, this plant is to be avoided on dry, windy days. This plant doesn't really have a "season" for hay fever pollen; it tends to produce wind borne pollen almost year-round.
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| Traditional uses |
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Parts used
Traditional uses
Contemporary uses
Fragrance
Fragrance parts
Fragrance intensity
Fragrance category
Dye parts
Dye color
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| Cultivation |
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Propagule
Various
Pollination method
Planting style
Crop spacing
Row spacing
Cold frame
Planting period
Harvesting period
Frost tolerance
Heat requirement
Warm
Fertilizer
Typical
Time to harvest
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| Nutrition |
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Is edible
no
Culinary uses
Nutritional value
Edible parts
Description of edible parts
Flavor / texture
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| Horticulture |
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Horticulture notes
It requires warm days for good production. Ricinus communis is a cultivated ornamental.
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| Herbarium |
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Tag needs printing
no
Collection notes
Ricinus communis has an annual life cycle. Leaves: Castor bean (locally known in some parts as castor-oil plant) has coarse-textured leaves with red mid-vein that emerge red and turn glossy green. Flowers: This plant has inconspicuous flowers. The blossoms are typically of a red color.
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Page 4097 of 4998
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