Plant Data

Names and Taxonomy

  • Common Names: Castor Bean Plant, Castor Oil Plant
  • Synonyms: Ricinus communis
  • Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge)
  • Genus Information:

Habit and Size

  • Duration: perennial
  • Habit: shrub/tree
  • Shape:
  • Size: up to 39 feet (12 m)
  • Stem: brown

Leaves

  • Color: reddish-green
  • Shape: star shaaped
  • Edge: toothed
  • Arrangement: alternate
  • Leaf Retention: evergreen

Flowers and Fruit

  • Sex: monoecious
  • Flower Color: male-yellow/green female-red
  • Flower Size:
  • Number of Petals: none
  • Bloom: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sept
  • Fruit: 1/2 inch long seeds

Habitat and Growing Conditions

  • Water Use: riparian
  • Light: shade to full sun
  • Soil: moist
  • Habitat:

Distribution

  • Distribution: Castor is indigenous to the southeastern Mediterranean Basin, Eastern Africa, and India, but is widespread throughout tropical regions (and widely grown elsewhere as an ornamental plant)
  • Seen: CA, Las Vegas
  • Elevation: below 2300 feet (800 m)

Photographs

Castor Bean Plant (Ricinus communis)

Wetlands Park, Las Vegas

Castor Bean Plant (Ricinus communis)

Wetlands Park, Las Vegas

Castor Bean Plant (Ricinus communis)

Wetlands Park, Las Vegas

Castor Bean Plant (Ricinus communis)

Wetlands Park, Las Vegas

Castor Bean Plant (Ricinus communis)

Wetlands Park, Las Vegas

Castor Bean Plant (Ricinus communis)

Wetlands Park, Las Vegas