|
Description
Texas persimmon, also called Mexican or black persimmon, is
normally a shrub or small tree less than 15 feet tall. However,
some specimens along the upper Texas coast may reach 50 feet
tall. The compact wood is almost black, and the gray, slick
bark is thin. The oval leaves, rounded at the tips, have small,
fine hairs on the lower surface. The fruit contains three
to eight seeds, can measure up to 1 inch in diameter and is
green, turning to black when ripe.
Distribution and habitat
Texas persimmon is primarily found in the western two thirds
of the state in rocky open wood-lands, arroyos and on open
slopes. In some pastures in central Texas, it may be one of
the predominant
invading woody species.
Regions: 2, 3,
4, 5,
6, 7,
8, 9,
10.
Toxic agent
The toxic agent in persimmon is unknown, and the information
in this section is based on observation rather than experimental
studies. During periods of drought, there have been years
when the persimmon crop was heavy and grass was sparse. Cattle
consuming large amounts of ripe or ripening fruit have had
problems.
|
Livestock signs
Persimmon poisoning does not cause death, but it does result
in poor performance. The clinical signs are:
- Black diarrhea
- Colic
- Weight loss
At times, the level of intake is so great
that persimmon seeds are about the only solid material in
the feces.
Integrated management strategies
Cattle regain their weight when given adequate nutrition
after the fruit is gone. As this usually occurs in drought,
expensive supplemental feeding can be required. Prevention
is best and can be accomplished by moving cattle to pastures
with fewer plants when the fruit begins to ripen. Individual
plants of Texas persimmon may be controlled with a basal
stem treatment mixture containing 25 percent Remedy®
and 75 percent diesel fuel oil to thin out heavily infested
pastures. Apply the mixture to the bottom 12 inches of the
stem down to the soil surface in the spring after the leaves
mature but before June 15.
Printable
Version (PDF) 
  
|
