SafePlants

Colubrina texensis: Texas Hogplum

One plant commonly referred to as Hog Plum is Colubrina texensis. It is also known by the common names:

• Texas Colubrina
• Texas Snakewood
• Guajalote

Taxonomy and Nomenclature:

• Scientific Name: Colubrina texensis
• Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn family)

Description:

• Colubrina texensis is typically a many-branched, rounded, deciduous shrub, often forming thickets. Its height ranges from 3 to 6 feet.

Distribution and Habitat:

• This Hog Plum is found in southwestern Texas, specifically on the southern border of the Edwards Plateau.

Similar Species:

• Texas Hog-plum (Snakewood) Colubrina texensis

Prunus Species Also Known as Hog Plum

The name "Hog Plum" is also applied to several species within the Prunus genus (plums), including:

• Prunus rivularis (Creek Plum, Wild-goose Plum)
• Prunus umbellata (Flatwoods Plum, Sloe Plum)
• Prunus angustifolia (Chickasaw Plum)

Considerations for Pets and Children:

• Note that the leaves of other Prunus species found in Texas are considered toxic.

Distribution and Habitat:

• Prunus umbellata is native to the United States from Virginia, south to Florida, and west to Texas.
• Prunus angustifolia is native to Arkansas and surrounding states, including Texas and Oklahoma.
• The Mexican Plum will thrive just about anywhere from hilly sites to bottomlands.

Traditional Uses:

• The fruit of Prunus rivularis was eaten by Native American Indians in Texas.
• Wild plum fruit has ethnobotanical uses.

Edibility:

• The fruit of the Mexican plum can vary wildly in taste from sweet to inedible.

Spondias purpurea: Another Hog Plum

There is also another plant known as "Hog Plum" that belongs to a completely different family and genus. It is also known by the common names:

• Purple Mombin
• Ciruela
• Jocote

Taxonomy and Nomenclature:

• Scientific Name: Spondias purpurea
• Family: Anacardiaceae

Distribution and Habitat:

• This Hog Plum is native to Central America.

Description:

• Spondias purpurea is a small tree that grows from 10-20 ft in full sun with moderate water.

Ecological Considerations: Feral Hogs

The text mentions feral hogs in Texas and their interaction with the environment, specifically Plum Creek. It's important to note that feral hogs can negatively affect native plants.

Quirky Facts:

• Hog plums are sometimes used in brewing, as demonstrated by Oasis Texas Brewing, which uses fresh Hog Plum juice in their Technicolor Motorhome beer. The aroma is described as pineapple-like.
• One person hopes their "hog" plums will make an okay wine.

External Resources:

• Dave's Garden