Poisonous Landscape Design - Castor Bean Plants - Ricin
Sunday January 25, 2004
You've probably heard old-timers talk about the laxative derived from castor plants, castor oil. [Edited to add: Recently, the poison, ricin, also derived from castor plants, has been in the news.] But have you ever thought about including castor oil's source, castor bean plants in your landscape design? If so, be forewarned: although castor bean plants can make for striking specimens in a landscape design, their seeds or "beans" are quite poisonous. Avoid planting castor bean plants altogether if you have small children. This site discusses the many uses of castor bean plants, also providing word derivations for both its common name and scientific name (Ricinus communis).
Comments
My neighbour has the ricin plant as a “hedge” between our driveways. How dangerous is this? It is also on a well travelled street. Is it legal? The owner of the house really likes these plants and as beautiful as they are, is this a matter that I should move forward with and take the chance of being a nosey neighbor? Their 11 year old son chops them down which means close contact with the plant. I also have a grand-daughter that is not even three that visits here. Please let me know, thank-you. YaYaYa
It wouldn’t hurt to at least mention their poisonous nature to your neighbor, in a spirit of neighborliness. I’m not a doctor, so I can’t comment on the degree of danger here. And legal issues can vary from locale to locale, so I can’t really address that, either. I’d check with the appropriate folks in your community (doctor, lawyer) if you really want to research this in-depth.
Burn them bushes down. Or feed em to the neighbor’s pet! That’ll get his attention wont it. Or I tell you what, plant them poison ivys on your property line and watch the fun. Just keep it away from your folks.
Of the three options you mention, one is legal (although not advisable), while the other two could cause you significant legal trouble.