Practical information to identify and manage non-native, invasive plants
The Quiet Invasion:A Guide to Invasive Plants of the Galveston Bay Area
Ricinus communis
| USDA Symbol: | RICO3 |
| ITIS TSN: | 28393 |
| Presence: | Current Invaders |
| Habitat: | Terrestrial |
| Native Range: | Africa |
Toxic Characteristics
Produces ricin in seeds which are toxic if ingested. Known to cause intestinal distress and coma. May also cause skin irritation.Geographic Distribution
Found in California, Arizona, and Utah in the West; much of the East from Michigan and New England south to Florida and west to Texas and Kansas. Reported in counties north of the Lower Galveston Bay watershed.Introduction Pathways
Cultivated in the great plains states in the 1950s for the use of its oil in military applications. Escaped cultivation into natural areas and spread via natural means.Specific Primary Habitats
Favors high temperatures in full sun. Prefers fertile, well drained, but moist soils. Commonly found in riparian areas, the margins of cultivated fields, waste areas, or building sites.Identifying Characteristics
Stems are purplish and highly branched. Leaves are alternate, sometimes reddish, palmate with 6 - 11 lobes, and toothed. They are large, ranging 4 - 22 inches in breadth. Flowers occur in ball-like clusters on a stalk. The top portion of the flower consists of showy red stigmas (female flowers), while the bottom portion has yellow anthers (male flowers). Female flowers have reddish-brown oblong capsules, are 1 inch long, each containing 3 seeds. Seeds are oblong, varying in size.Reproduction Characteristics
Readily reproduces by seed which remain viable for 2 to 3 years and germinate in early spring. Becomes reproductive in the first 6 months, and flowers from the summer into the fall.Growth Characteristics
In frost-free areas, castorbean exists as an evergreen. Once established, it is a fast growing plant. Can exceed 9 feet in height.Ecological, Economic, or Social Impact
Stands of castorbean displace native vegetation. While cultivated for its oil, castorbean is noted to exhaust soil; it does not act as a nitrogen fixer. Besides its toxicity, it is noted to cause allergic asthma.Suggested Control Methods
A 2 percent foliar application of Glyphosate is effective against established plants. Seedlings should be pulled, taking care to remove the root system. Never use fire as a control method, as it will most likely encourage further invasion.|
Native Species Alternatives
Below is a list of alternative plants that are native to the area:
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Lists
This species belongs to the following lists:
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Images
To view a larger version of an image, click on the thumbnail. Close-up of cluster of fruit of the castor bean. Photo courtesy of John D. Byrd, Mississippi State University, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1391462. |
 Seeds of the castor bean plant. Photo courtesy of John D. Byrd, Mississippi State University, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1391463. |
 Single castor bean plant growing along a fence line. Photo courtesy of John D. Byrd, Mississippi State University, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1391464. |
 Note large leaves and much stem branching of the castor bean. Photo courtesy of James Preacher, Army Corps of Engineers, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 1624062. |