Highly toxic plant
The seeds of castor oil (a milkweed plant) are particularly tough. It's the active ingredient called ricin - a protein that causes red blood cells to clump together. Even one seed consumed can lead to death. There is no antidote.
The following symptoms of poisoning can occur in both humans and animals after consuming the seeds of the winter castor - within 48 hours:
- Irritations of the mucous membranes
- Kidney damage
- Liver damage
- nausea
- Vomit
- bloody diarrhea
- cramps
- Gastrointestinal pain
Tips
If you have planted the castor oil and are afraid for your pets or children, you should remove the old inflorescences before the fruits with the poisonous seeds can develop.
