Species guide
Castor bean
DeadlyRicinus communis
What does Castor bean look like?
A fast-growing, often reddish plant with very large, glossy, star-shaped (palmate) leaves and spiny seed capsules holding mottled, bean-like seeds.
Is Castor bean dangerous?
The seeds contain ricin, one of the most potent natural toxins — a few chewed seeds can be fatal, especially to children and pets.
What should I do about Castor bean?
Never let anyone eat or chew the seeds; remove seed pods from where children or animals could reach them, and wear gloves. Seek emergency care immediately if seeds are swallowed.
Never decide what's safe to eat or touch from a photo or a web page. Identification here is for learning and curiosity only. For anything you might eat, handle or that could harm you or a pet, consult a qualified local expert — and seek medical or veterinary care if exposure has happened.
Recorded 100,137 times in the wild worldwide.
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