Wild Plum, Cherry, Peach
Prunus spp.
Rosaceae
Description
Fourteen species and several varieties of Prunus are listed in Texas. These range from shrubs less than 6 feet tall to trees about 100 feet tall. Most are usually not over 15 feet.
They are usually deciduous, and winter buds have many overlapping scales. The leaves are seldom entire and are usually toothed along the margins.
The flowers have five white, pink or red petals and are solitary or arranged in tight bundles or spikes. The fruit is single-seeded and fleshy.
Habitat
Prunus species are widespread, and two or more species grow in each vegetational area of Texas. Some grow in open areas, while others are found as undergrowth in wooded sites. Many of the shrubby species grow in mottes in fields and pastures or along fence rows.
Toxic Agent
Cyanogenic glycosides contained in the seeds and leaves of Prunus plants are broken down to free cyanide in the gastrointestinal tract or in damaged plant material.
All livestock species are susceptible to cyanide poisoning, but most cases occur in ruminants because conditions in the rumen favor hydrolysis more than those in the acidic stomachs of other species.
Wilted or frost-damaged leaves are very hazardous, as they contain free cyanide. Poisoning is often encountered when mechanically damaged trees or shrubs are available for livestock consumption.
Signs of Livestock Ingestion
Cyanide is one of the most rapidly acting of all poisons. Clinical signs can occur within 5 minutes after consumption of the plant. Death may occur within 15 minutes or several hours. The signs of poisoning may include: salivation, labored breathing, muscle tremors, incoordination, bloating, sustained contraction of voluntary muscles, bright red venous blood, convulsions, and death from respiratory failure.
Management Strategies
Do not allow animals access to damaged leaves until the leaves are completely dry. Remove cattle from pastures when Prunus is being bulldozed to prevent access to the damaged plant material.
Rapid intravenous treatment with sodium nitrite and then sodium thiosulfate is effective in animals showing clinical signs.
Images
Plant Characteristics
Flower Color: White
Seed Type: Fruit/Berry
Duration: Perennial
Stem Texture: Prickly, Spiny, or Thorny
Growth Habit: Shrub (Woody)
Leaf Shape
: Simple with Pinnate or Parallel Venation
Season: Warm
Distribution
: 01 - Pineywoods, 02 - Gulf Prairies and Marshes, 03 - Post Oak Savannah, 04 - Blackland Prairies, 05 - Cross Timbers and Prairies, 06 - South Texas Plains, 07 - Edwards Plateau, 08 - Rolling Plains, 09 - High Plains, 10 - Trans-Pecos
Distributions
Distribution refers to the ecological region in Texas that a plant has been found. You can also view a clickable map.
Book: Toxic Plants of Texas (B-6105)
Collection: Toxics
Livestock Affected: Cattle, Goats, Horses, Sheep
Livestock Signs: Bright Red Blood, Convulsions, Excess Salivation, Incoordination, Irregular Breathing, Trembling
