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:
- 450 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- red, green, cream
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★★★☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
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
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
- Stratification:
- None required
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 10–21 days
- Notes:
- Soak seeds 24 hours in warm water or scarify to improve germination. Requires warm soil temperatures (70-75°F) for best results.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Requires scarification. | Requires soaking 24-48 hrs; discard floaters.