- Ricinus communis L. - Dwarf Red Spire - Spurge family Parts
Usually Used Description of Plant(s) and Culture Large, rank,
annual or perennial (in the south), 5-12 feet tall. Leaves
large, palmate, with 5-11 lobes up to 3-5 feet across. Flowers
in clusters; female ones above, male ones below; July to
September. Seed capsule has soft spines. The flowers have no
petals and grow in upright panicles covered with dark brown
spines. The fruit which follows is a capsule containing 3 large
seeds. The dark shiny seeds are extremely poisonous if
swallowed, but can be easily removed from the plant when they
first begin to form. Because castor bean is extremely sensitive
to frost, seed must be started indoors in early spring in cooler
climates, or outdoors only in warm ground. Space plants 3-4 feet
apart in full sun. Adaptable to most soils; adding fertilizer
will give brightest color and faster growth. Plants like lots of
water, which mulching will help conserve. Do not pinch or tip-
prune castor bean; this may kill the