Castor Bean Plant – Ricinus communis

Castor Bean Plant

This plant is impressive with its color and size. It is used to protect garden areas from predation by underground pests such as moles.

Castor beans have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs dating back to 4000 B.C., and the oil was used thousands of years ago in wick lamps for lighting. It was used as medicine during the settling of America.

The entire plant is toxic due to ricin in high quantities. As little as 1 seed can kill a child!

Symptoms of ricin poisoning begin within hours after exposure by ingestion or inhalation. They include stomach irritation, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, increased heart rate, low blood pressure, profuse sweating, collapse, convulsions, and death within a few days. Victims that do not die in 3 to 5 days usually recover. 

If you use this plant in you landscape use caution where children and animals are concerned!!!!!