Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Colubrina texensis (Torr. & Gray) Gray
Hog-plum, Texan hogplum, Texas colubrina, Texas snakewood
Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)
Small, thicket-forming
shrub with a rounded crown and a snakeskin-like pattern on the bark. Hog-plum is a thicket-forming, rounded
shrub rarely over 3-6 ft. Its smooth, gray wood has scaly, brown markings which resemble patterns on snake skin. Slender, twisting branches; small, grayish-green, glossy leaves; and inconspicuous, greenish-yellow flowers are other plant characteristics.
The
fruit is eaten by birds and other wildlife, and the plant also provides an important habitat for them.
Image Gallery:
14 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Shrub Fruit: Size Class: 3-6 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Green
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: TX
Native Distribution: C. TX, s. to Mex.
Native Habitat: Arid, brushy areas
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Cold Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Well-drained soils. Limestone-based, Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay, Caliche type.
Conditions Comments: Colubrina texensis is disease resistant and grows in poor, dry soils.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Colubrina texensis is disease resistant and grows in poor, dry soils. The branches have an interesting zizzag structure. The
shrub can be useful as a dense, compact hedge plant in poor locations if encouraged by selective pruning.
Use Wildlife: The
fruit is eaten by deer, javelina, and various birds and other wildlife, and the plant also provides an important habitat for them. Cover, Nesting site, Nectar-insects, fruit-eating birds, fruit-eating mammals.
Attracts: Birds
2007-01-01
