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Sun, Sep 6, 09 at 20:43
| As I loaded a couple of new purchases into the car at our local nursery, I noticed the most amazing looking shrub on a slope next to the parking lot. When I asked about it, I was told it was a castor plant. Now, I do know it is poisonous, but it was so amazingly beautiful with its red stems and fabulous leaves that I wondered if anyone grows it. The nurseryman said they did not plant it (they have been there forever), that it was a volunteer. I wouldn't want it in my back yard with dogs and neighbors' wee ones visiting, but I thought maybe in the side yard away from the street...
Any thoughts? Thanks,
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Follow-Up Postings:
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| Not a shrub but a tender perennial. At least in my zone. And it is, especially the seeds, extremely poisonous. I grew them for a couple of years as fillers before the garden began to mature. |
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| They are commonly available locally either from seed or started plants in the spring. They grow quickly--especially if you put them into the ground. I have often wondered if the plant self-seeds itself in cold winter areas (at least those that are not too cold). Yes, ricin is extremely toxic to animals (including humans). The good news is that if a child were to put the seeds into his mouth or swallow some, it should be harmless because the seeds have a very hard seed coat--the seeds would have to be chewed to be deadly. (Obviously, I still wouldn't want my kids or pets to be playing with the seeds.) The leaves and stems also contain milder toxins. I have one containerized and it makes a good conversation piece. Keep in mind that a number of different kinds of plants do have serious potential to be toxic (orleanders for example). |
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| Thanks laceyvail and nyoasis! I may try to find one. nj, do you have your plant in sun or part shade? It looked as if the one I saw was in part shade and that is pretty much all I have here. Thanks again, |
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| Mine gets some direct sun (2-3 hours) but mostly bright indirect--outside on bright white terrace. I may be imagining it, but I do believe there are bronze colored cultivars of this plant. P.S. Being that they readily flower, set fruit and seed so easily it would make sense to harvest the seeds for next year's crop of plants. Good luck! |
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| Thanks again nj. I have just the spot for it! I think I may ask the nursery where I saw it if I could grab a seed pod from theirs when they appear! Cynthia |
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