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Flower

Rhamnaceae

Hogplum is a rounded, deciduous shrub that frequently forms dense thickets. It has light gray, zigzag branches with bark that resembles snakeskin when mature. The greenish-yellow flowers that appear in April and May are odd but interesting, small and star-shaped. The fruit is a reddish-brown to black drupe that is a favorite of birds and other wildlife. Its small, alternate, obovate to elliptic leaves are grayish-green, hairy when young and smooth when mature. Because of its dense branches it provides valuable wildlife cover. In the landscape it an interesting plant, providing a nice contrast against others with large green leaves. Selective pruning will help keep the compact and dense shape. Hogplum grows on gravelly and rocky slopes and along arroyos in the Trans-Pecos, South Texas, Edwards Plateau and barely into North Central Texas. It is very drought tolerant, grows best in full sun and poor soil with little organic matter. It is cold hardy as far north as Dallas.

Plant Habit or Use: medium shrub

Exposure: sun

Flower Color: greenish yellow

Blooming Period: spring

Fruit Characteristics: reddish-brown, brown or black drupes

Height: 3 to 10 feet

Width: 4 to 12 feet

Plant Character: deciduous

Heat Tolerance: very high

Water Requirements:

Soil Requirements: adaptable

USDA Hardiness Zone: 8

Additional Comments: