Castorbean
Ricinus communis
- Native to:
- Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guam, Navassa Island, Palau, Somalia, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands
Filo gèn'
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Euphorbiaceae
- Genus:
- Ricinus
- Species:
- Ricinus communis
- USDA Symbol:
- RICO3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual | Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Shrub , Subshrub , Tree
- Height:
- 400 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- greenish-yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★★ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★★☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
- Hummingbirds:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented hummingbird visits (GBIF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Ailanthus silkmoth (Samia cynthia), beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua), Black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon), Certima dositheata, corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), Cosmet moth (Pyroderces rileyi), Ello Sphinx (Erinnyis ello), Fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea), Giant leopard moth (Hypercompe scribonia), Honeydew moth (Cryptoblabes gnidiella), Isabella tiger moth (Pyrrharctia isabella), Lebeau's silk moth (Rothschildia lebeau), Omiodes Leafroller (Omiodes simialis), Pyroderces badia, Southern armyworm (Spodoptera eridania), stalk borer moth (Papaipema nebris), Virginia Tiger Moth (Spilosoma virginica), Walker’s Atlas Moth (Samia walkeri), White-marked Tussock Moth (Orgyia leucostigma), Yellow-striped armyworm (Spodoptera ornithogalli)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Hummingbirds: Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to tropical and subtropical regions
Propagation & Germination
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in warm soil (20-30°C) without pretreatment; soak seeds for 24 hours to soften coat.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Requires scarification. | Requires soaking 24-48 hrs; discard floaters.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)