Castor Bean, Palma Christi

Ricinus Communis

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Overview

The Castor Bean 'Ricinus communis', or Palma Christi, is a striking, fast-growing tropical perennial reaching up to 10 feet in height. Its large, star-shaped leaves span up to 2 feet across, creating a bold texture with a deep reddish-purple hue. Caution: all plant parts contain toxic ricin, especially the seeds. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Hardy in zones 9-11, grown as an annual in cooler climates.

Sun Full, HalfWater LowZones 9–10Climate Subtropical

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — scientifically known as Ricinus communis and also commonly referred to as Palma Christi

Culture

Sun: Full, Half
Water: Low
USDA zones: 9–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Climate: Subtropical

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Photos (152)

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — fast-growing specimen that can add a bold architectural statement to any garden; prefers full sun, image 56

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — The Castor Bean 'Ricinus communis'; caution: all plant parts contain toxic ricin, especially the, image 49

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — fast-growing tropical perennial reaching up to 10 feet in height; ricinus communis comes in a, image 50

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Its large, star-shaped leaves span up to 2 feet across, creating a bold texture with a deep, image 51

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Caution: all plant parts contain toxic ricin, especially the seeds; the Castor Bean 'Ricinus, image 52

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; fast-growing specimen that can add a bold architectural, image 53

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — scientifically known as Ricinus communis and also commonly referred to as Palma Christi; place the, image 55

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Hardy in zones 9-11, grown as an annual in cooler climates; while the seeds are noteworthy for, image 54

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — While the seeds are noteworthy for containing ricin; hardy in zones 9-11, grown as an annual in, image 63

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — historically used for medicinal purposes.<br><br>Given its rapid growth; ample space is essential, image 65

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — they are also the source of castor oil; the leaves are arranged in a star-like pattern adding to, image 64

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — This perennial is often grown as an annual in temperate climates due to its sensitivity to frost, image 57

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Ricinus communis comes in a variety of colors; fast-growing tropical perennial reaching up to 10, image 59

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — from deep green to purplish-red; this perennial is often grown as an annual in temperate climates, image 60

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — The leaves are arranged in a star-like pattern adding to its dramatic appearance; they are also the, image 61

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Mid-summer to fall, the plant produces spiny seed pods and small, inconspicuous flowers; and handle, image 62

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — palmate leaves that can span up to 2 feet wide; they prefer full sun and thrive in rich, image 58

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Castor Bean plants are best placed in the back of a border or as a focal point; its large, image 66

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — The Castor Bean 'Ricinus communis'; caution: all plant parts contain toxic ricin, especially the, image 73

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — annual / shrub for full or half; regular watering during dry periods will ensure a lush, image 72

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — and handle with care during planting and maintenance; mid-summer to fall, the plant produces spiny, image 71

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — place the Castor Bean in areas away from pets and children; scientifically known as Ricinus, image 70

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Regular watering during dry periods will ensure a lush, captivating presence; annual / shrub for, image 69

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Ample space is essential, as the plant can spread 3 to 4 feet wide; historically used for medicinal, image 68

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