Are Castor Bean Plants Poisonous – Should Gardeners Grow Them?

Cold climate gardeners are always looking for something exotic to grow and there are few plants that beat the dark red-leafed castor bean. Unfortunately, this plant has a bad reputation for being poisonous. Many experts tell you not to grow castor beans because they are so toxic.

I used to grow it, and grew a new variety last year. I am still alive! So how toxic is it? Is it safe to grow in the garden?

Are Caster Bean Plants Poisonous - Should Gardeners Grow Them?
Are Castor Bean Plants Poisonous – Should Gardeners Grow Them? Credit: Home of miniclover

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Castor Beans – Are They Poisonous?

I was giving a talk at a local Master Gardner meeting the other day and I mentioned that castor beans contain one of the world’s most deadly organic compounds. Someone in the audience commented that you can actually eat several castor beans and you would only get a mild stomach ache.

These two points of view seem to contradict one another. What is the real story?

Castor beans, caster bean plant, Ricinus communis
Castor beans, Ricinus communis

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