 |
|
|
|
Other
cultivars/Species: 'Zanzibarensis’ has very large, green leaves; ‘Dwarf Red
Spire’ is lower growing to 6’. |
 Due
to the poisonous seeds in the eye-catching pods, it’s
best to place where children cannot access plant.
Very
fast growing – can grow over 10’ in a single season.
Can
become woody and tree-like in zones with mild winters.
Commercially grown for the production of castor-bean oil
from the seeds which is used medicinally, in soap,
paints, and varnishes. |
|
References:
Brenzel,
Kathleen Norris, Sunset Western Garden Book, Ed. 2001, Sunset
Publishing Corporation, Menlo Park, CA
Cornell
University Staff of the Bailey Hortitorium, Hortus Third,
Macmillan Publishing Co., 1976 |
|
Completed by
garden intern Alison Snow |
|
at
a glance:
Common Name:
Castor Bean
Plant type:
Evergreen shrub,
grown as an annual in the Pacific Northwest
Family:
Euphorbiaceae
Height/Spread:
To 15’ H, 8’ W
Leaves:
Burgundy red with 7
pointed lobes, from 1-3’ wide, glossy when new
Flowers:
Small white
inconspicuous blooms in clusters on foot-high stalks followed by
attractive, prickly seed pods; the seeds of this plant are poisonous
when ingested, and both foliage and seeds can cause severe contact
allergies.
Bloom Period:
Summer
Disease/pests: None
found
Conditions:
Prefers full sun and regular irrigation, good drainage, doesn’t do
well through frosty winters.
Natural Range:
Africa and Asia
Hardiness:
USDA Zones 3a-11
Location:
South
end of Perennial Garden on West side of rock path
Accession #: None |
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