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Leaf
Flower |
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Wild Plum, Cherry,
Peach
(Prunus spp.)
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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.
Distribution and 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.
Regions: 1, 2,
3, 4,
5, 6,
7, 8,
9, 10.
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.
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Livestock signs
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 volun-tary muscles
- Bright red venous blood
- Convulsions
- Death from respiratory failure
Integrated 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.
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