Castor Bean
Ricinus communis
Also listed as Ricinus sanguineus, Ricinus zanzibarensis
Also known as Castor Oil Plant, Castor, Castor Plant
Climate Match for your location
See how well Castor Bean grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
A fast-growing tropical shrub with large, deeply lobed foliage and distinctive spiky seed pods. Grown ornamentally for dramatic foliage and architectural form, though seeds are toxic.
Why grow it
Ricinus communis grows faster and taller than most ornamental foliage plants, reaching 8-12 feet in a single season in warm climates, making it useful for rapid screening or architectural contrast. The large, deeply lobed leaves and distinctive red or purple seed pods offer textural variety that few other fast-growing plants match at this scale. It tolerates poor soils and drought better than comparable tropical shrubs, though it performs best with consistent moisture and warmth.
Watch out for
In frost-prone regions, plan for replanting annually or protect roots heavily, as the plant dies back in cold winters. Self-seeding can occur in warm climates, so deadheading spent seed pods helps prevent unwanted spread. The plant can become leggy and lose lower foliage in shade, so site it where it receives full sun for compact growth.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
Native Range
East Africa
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A fast-growing tropical shrub with large, deeply lobed foliage and distinctive spiky seed pods. Grown ornamentally for dramatic foliage and architectural form, though seeds are toxic.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Castor Bean grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Ricinus communis grows faster and taller than most ornamental foliage plants, reaching 8-12 feet in a single season in warm climates, making it useful for rapid screening or architectural contrast. The large, deeply lobed leaves and distinctive red or purple seed pods offer textural variety that few other fast-growing plants match at this scale. It tolerates poor soils and drought better than comparable tropical shrubs, though it performs best with consistent moisture and warmth.
Watch out for
In frost-prone regions, plan for replanting annually or protect roots heavily, as the plant dies back in cold winters. Self-seeding can occur in warm climates, so deadheading spent seed pods helps prevent unwanted spread. The plant can become leggy and lose lower foliage in shade, so site it where it receives full sun for compact growth.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
Native Range
East Africa
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.