What is this plant? - Ask Extension
I have this plant in my hard that was planted by seed in the spring. What is it and how do I get rid of it?
Knowledgebase
What is this plant? #884620
Asked September 09, 2024, 3:33 PM EDT
I have this plant in my hard that was planted by seed in the spring. What is it and how do I get rid of it?
Charlevoix County Michigan
Expert Response
It appears you have a castor bean. They are often grown as an ornamental plant. They aren't cold tolerant and will die once we have cooler temperatures. Parts of this plant contain ricin and can be highly toxic, so use caution when handling it and do not eat it.
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/castor-bean-ricinus-communis/#:~:text=This%20fast%20growing%20plant%20tends,the%20temperature%20drops%20below%2032F.
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/castor-bean-ricinus-communis/#:~:text=This%20fast%20growing%20plant%20tends,the%20temperature%20drops%20below%2032F.
Do you have suggestions on how to remove these plants. If we just let them die from the cold will they grow back in the spring?
Please take a look at the previous linked article. These plants can be very toxic and you should be familiar with the risks before handling it. It is a tropical plant and will not survive winter. It can also just be pulled and thrown away, but please, read the article I linked that includes information on toxicity before handling it. As long as it doesn't produce seed, it won't return. If other seeds were planted and did not sprout this year they can remain viable for several years.
