Ricinus sp.
Castor bean, Castor Bean
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Family: Euphorbiaceae · Type: Annual · Not Native
Ricinus sp. (Castor bean) is a non-native California annual in the Euphorbiaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Acer: Ricinus has umbrella-like leaves with stem attached to center; maple leaves attach at the edge.; vs Tetrapanax: Ricinus leaves are glossy and smooth; Tetrapanax leaves are fuzzy-white underneath.; vs Kalopanax: Ricinus has smooth bark and herbaceous stems; Kalopanax has spiny woody trunk.; vs Platanus: Ricinus leaf stem attaches at blade center; sycamore leaf stem attaches at blade edge.; vs Malva: Ricinus leaves are glossy and waxy; mallow leaves are soft and dull-surfaced.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ricinus sp. native to California?
No. Ricinus sp. is not native to California (recorded as not native).
What plant family does Ricinus sp. belong to?
Ricinus sp. is in the Euphorbiaceae family, genus Ricinus.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.