The one negative of the castor oil plant is the toxicity of the seeds. The seeds are said to be fatal if eaten and as such it is recommended that this plant is grown out of reach of children. If you are a nervous parent then perhaps this plant should be avoided altogether. The seeds are generally held quite high on the plant, certainly out of reach of any very small children. The plants are also strong and unlikely to fall over in windy conditions were the seeds could be presented. Actually removing the seeds from their pods is also quite difficult.

All parts of Ricinus spp. are poisonous, even the seeds, these plants are recommended for growing in gardens and flower beds, not around children or pets that chew on plants. You should not grow castor beans where children play; the seeds are just too pretty and too deadly.