Castor Bean, Caster Oil Plant, Mole Bean, Higuera Infernal 'Impala'

This species has naturalized in 34 states. As far north as Maine, it can overwinter as a self-sowing annual.

Where it is h...Read Moreardy, it's a suckering perennial shrub that can reach a height of 40'.

It's a heavy producer of light air-borne pollen which is highly allergenic. It's a common trigger for hayfever and asthma. In many people, it also causes a skin rash on contact. The seed pods are spiny.

In California, Florida, and Texas, it's on the official lists of species invasive of natural habitat.

Native to the eastern Mediterranean, east Africa, and India, it's now spread to most tropical areas around the world, where it's commonly considered invasive.

This plant grows well during the warmer months in Vancouver WA. Luckily, it produces copious amounts of seeds that I can replant the nex...Read Moret year, and as long as I plant it in a sunny warm spot, it grows fast enough that it seems like it never got frost killed! I have seed that was collected in July, and a few days ago I planted it in a seed tray with a humidity dome. 2 days later it has sprouted. I can't wait to have more tropical red foliage this year.

Edit May 2nd 2014:
Looks like I didn't need to worry about saving seeds from this castor bean. There are several seeds that have since germinated in my garden, that spent the winter unprotected on top of bark mulch. It is much hardier than I anticipated! I guess I'll be getting volunteer Impalas year after year whether I want them or not...

From your friends at Botanical Interests: Annual (Perennial in zones 8-10). Blooms in summer. 4'-15' tall. Full sun. Fast growing, dramat...Read Moreic, and tropical! Green foliage turns turns into very striking dark bronze foliage with scarlet seed heads (with adequate sunlight). Please note that all parts of this plant are VERY POISONOUS and should be kept away from small kids and pets. Excellent exotic backdrop for the back of the border. Prefers hot humid climates, but can be grown anywhere for a taste of the tropics in your own backyard.