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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) — fast-growing specimen that can add a bold architectural statement to any garden
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — and handle with care during planting and maintenance; mid-summer to fall, the plant produces spiny, image 119
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) — Mid-summer to fall, the plant produces spiny seed pods and small, inconspicuous flowers; and handle, image 62
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — annual / shrub for full or half
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 133
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 106
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — They prefer full sun and thrive in rich, well-drained soil; palmate leaves that can span up to 2, image 139
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — The Castor Bean 'Ricinus communis'
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Prefers full sun and well-drained soil
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — palmate leaves that can span up to 2 feet wide
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — from deep green to purplish-red; this perennial is often grown as an annual in temperate climates due to its
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) — annual / shrub for full or half; regular watering during dry periods will ensure a lush, image 72
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 92
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — fast-growing specimen that can add a bold architectural statement to any garden; prefers full sun, image 104
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 114
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) — Castor Bean plants are best placed in the back of a border or as a focal point; its large, image 138
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — annual / shrub for full or half; regular watering during dry periods will ensure a lush, image 144
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, star-shaped leaves
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; fast-growing specimen that can add a bold architectural, image 77
Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — historically used for medicinal purposes.<br><br>Given its rapid growth
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 27
Photographs by 12 contributors

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