Description:
An imported agricultural oil crop and ornamental that has escaped; castor bean can get 6 ft tall in Wyoming. Except as an ornamental this plant is not common, but it is truly a threat as relates to poison even in this setting.
All plant parts contain ricin, and are poisonous to humans and animals. The pinto bean sized seeds are most toxic, 8 seeds would kill an adult, 2-4 for children. All animals are susceptible if consuming even a very small percentage of their weight.
Leaves are very large, glossy, dark green or bronze with toothed edges; deep pointed lobes, veined, a strong light colored vein going to each lobe as a spoke. The leaves attach alternately to the main stem by a thick stalk at least as long as the leaf is wide.
Female flowers at the top of the central stem are marble size purplish spiny globes with 3 pistils protruding. Tiny male flowers burst out of small oval pods lower on the stem. 3 oval mottled seeds are produced.
Symptoms:
Various signs of poisoning may occur up to 4 days after consumption including diarrhea, vomiting, thirst, weakness, lack of coordination, pain, blurred vision, sweating, convulsions, respiratory distress, paralysis and death.