Non-Native Plants

Castor bean is a non-native plant that grows in disturbed areas and along roadways. Its leaves are easy to identify and its seeds (which are NOT actually beans) are used to make castor oil. Additionally, they contain ricin–a water soluble toxin–which in its purified form can kill an adult with just a few grams. Both the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority and Chino Hills State Park are doing their best to remove plants like these (and others) to make the … Read More