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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 9–10Type Annual, ShrubClimate Subtropical
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Caution: all plant parts contain toxic ricin, especially the seeds; the Castor Bean 'Ricinus communis'

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low
USDA zones
9–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Annual, Shrub
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Climate
Subtropical

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Photos (172)

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 126
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Castor Bean plants are best placed in the back of a border or as a focal point
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — The Castor Bean 'Ricinus communis'; caution: all plant parts contain toxic ricin, especially the, image 97
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) — Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; fast-growing specimen that can add a bold architectural, image 53
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 130
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) — they are also the source of castor oil; the leaves are arranged in a star-like pattern adding to, image 136
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 109
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) — Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; fast-growing specimen that can add a bold architectural, image 149
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — historically used for medicinal purposes.<br><br>Given its rapid growth; ample space is essential, image 137
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — from deep green to purplish-red
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — scientifically known as Ricinus communis and also commonly referred to as Palma Christi; place the, image 127
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — scientifically known as Ricinus communis and also commonly referred to as Palma Christi
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — fast-growing specimen that can add a bold architectural statement to any garden; prefers full sun and
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 its dramatic
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — This perennial is often grown as an annual in temperate climates due to its sensitivity to frost, image 129
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — This perennial is often grown as an annual in temperate climates due to its sensitivity to frost; from deep
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — The Castor Bean 'Ricinus communis'; caution: all plant parts contain toxic ricin, especially the, image 121
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — from deep green to purplish-red; this perennial is often grown as an annual in temperate climates, image 108
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) — fast-growing tropical perennial reaching up to 10 feet in height
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — The leaves are arranged in a star-like pattern adding to its dramatic appearance
Photographs by 12 contributors

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