Prunus spinosa (blackthorn) | Plants & Fungi At Kew Discover more Geography and distribution Blackthorn is widespread across temperate Europe and also occurs in the Near East and northern Africa. It often grows in hedgerows or thickets, where it can form dense stands. Illustration showing (Prunus spinosa in fruit and in flower Description Overview: A deciduous, suckering shrub or small tree, commonly up to 4 m tall. Branches: Dark branches bear sharp, rigid spines up to 8 cm long. New growth is sometimes grey. Leaves: Edges serrated like the teeth on a bread knife. Flowers: Pure white, 1.5 cm in diameter with five petals and five sepals. Flowers commonly appear before the leaves. Fruits: Round, dark blue/purple, with a white bloom that can be wiped off. Each fruit contains a large stone with a single seed inside. Blackthorn reproduces by suckering and by bird- or animal-sown seed.

Its habit of flowering before the leaves appear helps to distinguish blackthorn from other white flowering spring shrubs, such as hawthorn (Crataegus monogyana), for which flowers appear at the same time as or after their leaves. Threats and conservation Blackthorn is not considered to be threatened since it is widespread and often common and thrives in traditionally managed hedgerows and on common land. Uses Blackthorn fruits, known as sloes, are astringent when fresh and are not therefore eaten in the same way as those of many other Prunus species (such as cherries and plums). Sloes are used to make the alcoholic beverage known as sloe gin. They are best harvested after a frost, which reduces the tannin content of the fruit. The skins of the fruit are punctured and covered with sugar, and then placed in a bottle to one third of its capacity, before it is filled to the top with gin. The contents are gently agitated over a period of at least three months, after which the contents are strained. The remains of the fruit can be mixed with melted chocolate to make sloe gin chocolate, once the liquid has been strained.

A shillelagh (stout club or walking stick) made of blackthorn and used for self-defence in Ireland. When tea derived from Camellia sinensis (a commonplace drink today) was a very expensive product, the young leaves of blackthorn were dried and used as a replacement for, or to adulterate, the more expensive tea. In the 19th century, bundles of blackthorn branches (along with those of gorse or ‘furze’, Ulex europaeus and young elm, Ulmus species) were buried to improve field drainage. Blackthorn wood has been used to make walking sticks, clubs and hay-rake teeth. A shillelagh is a highly polished stick of blackthorn wood that was made and used in Ireland, and a blackthorn walking stick is still carried by commissioned officers of the Royal Irish Regiment. Blackthorn wood is especially hard and takes a high polish. The shillelagh was used in self defence and is now used in a form of traditional fighting or martial art. Stout sticks of blackthorn are highly prized since it is rare to find blackthorn grown to this size.

Widely grown as a hedge plant, blackthorn can also act as a ‘nurse plant’ in a grazed field, allowing other plants (such as broadleaved trees) to develop protected from possible damage by grazing animals. White blackthorn flowers on dark, leafless branches (Photo: Rasbak licensed under CC BY 3.0) Millennium Seed Bank: Seed storage The Millennium Seed Bank Partnership aims to save plant life worldwide, focusing on plants under threat and those of most use in the future. Seeds are dried, packaged and stored at a sub-zero temperature in our seed bank vault. Four collections of Prunus spinosa seeds are held in Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank based at Wakehurst in West Sussex. Cultivation Blackthorn can be propagated by sowing the stones shallowly (no more than their own length deep) in a well-drained growing medium. In order to germinate, the stones must be exposed to a period of cold for approximately two months. This can be achieved by placing them in a bag of moist sand in a fridge. Semi-ripe cuttings can be taken in late summer. Blackthorn tolerates most soils, except acidic ones, but does not perform well if shaded.

Once it is established it is a tough, resilient plant. Large quantities are most easily obtained as young, bare-rooted plants that are only available when dormant, from November to March. These are useful if a large amount of blackthorn is to be planted (for instance, when establishing a hedge). The roots must be covered until planting, since exposure to wind or sun risks their drying out and dying. If conditions prevent immediate planting (if the soil is too wet or frosty) the plants can be healed-in temporarily until conditions are more favourable. Blackthorn spines strung onto a wooden handle and used to catch flounders off the East Essex coast in 1895. Blackthorn should be grown from seed collected as locally as possible since this helps to preserve local gene pools. Plants from abroad can flower and fruit at slightly different times to native ones and so can be out of phase with local wildlife. This species at Kew Blackthorn occurs naturally in the Loder Valley Nature Reserve at Wakehurst and can also be seen growing in the Conservation Area at Kew.

Dried and alcohol-preserved specimens of Prunus spinosa are held in Kew’s Herbarium, where they are available to visitors from around the world, by appointment. The details of some of these specimens can be seen online in Kew’s Herbarium Catalogue. A shillelagh (stout club or walking stick) made of blackthorn, which was originally used for self-defence in Ireland, and a fishing device made with blackthorn spines are held in Kew’s Economic Botany Collection, where they are available to researchers by appointment. References and credits 'Closeup of blackthorn aka sloe aka prunus spinosa sweden 20050924'. Image by Mnemo is licensed under Creative Commons by 3.0. Available online . Cobbett, W. (1825). The Woodlands. William Cobbett, London. Mabey, R. (1996). Flora Britannica. Chatto & Windus/Sinclair-Stevenson, London. Manley, C. (2009). British Moths and Butterflies. A & C Black Publishers Ltd, London.

Natural History Museum (2012). Rose-related Fruits. Available online (accessed on 21 May 2012). Richardson, R. & Streeter, D. (1983). Discovering Hedgerows. British Broadcasting Corporation, London. Rose, F. (2006). The Wildflower Key. Penguin Group, London. 'Sleedoorn bloemen (Prunus spinosa)'. Image by Rasbak is licensed under Creative Commons by 3.0. Available online . Thoday, P. (2007). Two Blades of Grass. Thoday Associates, Wiltshire. Kew Science Editor: Elizabeth Harbott and Iain Darbyshire Kew contributors: Craig Brough, Julia Buckley, Andrew McRobb, Mark Nesbitt, Simon Hardy Copyediting: Emma Tredwell Although every effort has been taken to ensure that the information contained in these pages is reliable and complete, notes on hazards, edibility and suchlike included here are recorded information and do not constitute recommendations. No responsibility will be taken for readers’ own actions.

Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) - Woodland Trust Woodland Trust Search the Woodland Trust website Search Leaves are slightly wrinkled, pointed at the tip and tapered at the base (Photo: P Sterry/NPL) spiny and densely branched, mature trees can live for up to 100 years (Photo: P Sterry/WTML) White flowers appear on short stalks in March and April (Photo: P Sterry/WTML) Sloe berries are blue-black fruits measuring 1cm across (Photo: P Sterry/WTML) Twigs form straight side shoots, which develop into thorns (Photo: P Sterry/WTML) The dark brown bark is smooth (Photo: P Sterry/WTML) Blackthorn, also known as 'sloe', is a small deciduous tree native to the UK and most of Europe. Common name: blackthorn, sloe Family: Rosaceae UK provenance: native Interesting fact: blackthorn wood has been used to make walking or riding sticks, and was the traditional wood for Irish shillelaghs. What does blackthorn look like?

Habit: spiny and densely branched, mature trees can grow to a height of around 6-7m, and live for up to 100 years. The dark brown bark is smooth, and twigs form straight side shoots, which develop into thorns. Leaves: slightly wrinkled, oval, toothed, pointed at the tip and tapered at the base. Flowers: blackthorn is a hermaphrodite, meaning both male and female reproductive parts are found in one flower. White flowers appear on short stalks before the leaves in March and April, either singularly or in pairs. Fruits: once pollinated by insects, the flowers develop into blue-black fruits measuring 1cm across. Look out for: it is a spiny shrubby tree with black-purple twigs and small, narrow leaves. Could be confused with: hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), without leaves. The flowers of blackthorn appear before the leaves and the spines have buds along their length, on the hawthorn flowers emerge from the same point as the buds. Identified in winter by: the twigs are black and spiny with leaf buds along the spines.

Where to find blackthorn Blackthorn is native to Europe and western Asia. It can also be found in New Zealand and eastern North America. It grows best in moist, well drained soil and thrives in full sunlight. It grows naturally in scrub, copses and woodlands, but is commonly used as a hedging plant. Value to wildlife Early flowering, blackthorn provides a valuable source of nectar and pollen for bees in spring. Its foliage is a food plant for the caterpillars of many moths, including the lackey, magpie, common emerald, small eggar, swallow-tailed and yellow-tailed. It is also used by the black and brown hairstreak butterflies. Birds nest among the dense, thorny thickets, eat caterpillars and other insects from the leaves, and feast on the berries in autumn. Mythology and symbolism Blackthorn was long associated with witchcraft, and it is said that witches' wands and staffs were made using blackthorn wood. How we use blackthorn The timber is hardwearing and tough, light yellow with a brown heartwood. It was traditionally used for making walking sticks and tool parts.

It burns well, and is often used as firewood. Blackthorn is used as a hedging shrub, particularly in wildlife gardens. The sloes are used for wine making and preserves, and, most commonly, flavouring gin. Threats Blackthorn can be susceptible to fungal diseases which causes blossom wilt in fruit trees, and the fruits can sometimes be distorted by a gall-forming fungus, Taphrina pruni. Trees need your help... will buy and install a bat or bird box to support woodland wildlife. Every £30 you give will pay for brambles to be cut back encouraging wildflowers to grow. Every £50 you give will pay for the land, planting and care of five oak saplings. Want to donatea different amount? Whatever you choose to give, your donation will help us protect woodland and wildlife. Trees need your help... prunus spinosa Sloe - Blackthorn PFAF Plant Database 4-8 Known Hazards Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where most, if not all members of the genus produce hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour.

This toxin is found mainly in the leaves and seed and is readily detected by its bitter taste. It is usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm but any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death. Avoid excessive intake and use recommended doses. Habitats Hedgerows and woods, usually in sunny positions, on all soils except acid peats[9, 17]. Range Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to the Mediterranean, Siberia and Iran. Edibility Rating Physical Characteristics prunus spinosa is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in) at a medium rate. It is hardy to zone (UK) 4. It is in flower from Mar to April, and the seeds ripen in October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.It is noted for attracting wildlife.

Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure. Synonyms Prunus moldavica. Kotov. Prunus stepposa. Kotov. Habitats Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge; Edible Uses Edible Uses: Tea . Fruit - raw or cooked[2, 5, 7, 11, 12, 13, 34]. Exceedingly astringent, it is normally cooked but once the fruit has been frosted it loses some of its astringency and some people find they can enjoy it raw[183, K]. The fruit is more usually used in jellies, syrups, conserves etc and as a flavouring for sloe gin and other liqueurs[183]. Some fruits that we ate in December were fairly pleasant raw[K].

In France the unripe fruit is pickled like an olive[183]. The fruit is about 15mm in diameter and contains one large seed[200]. Seed - raw or cooked. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity. The leaves are used as a tea substitute[7, 183]. The dried fruits can be added to herbal teas[183]. The flowers are edible and can be crystallised or sugared[183]. Medicinal Uses Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally. Febrifuge ; Laxative ; Stomachic . The flowers, bark, leaves and fruits are aperient, astringent, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, laxative and stomachic[7, 9, 21]. An infusion of the flowers is used in the treatment of diarrhoea (especially for children), bladder and kidney disorders, stomach weakness et[9].

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, all members of the genus contain amygdalin and prunasin, substances which break down in water to form hydrocyanic acid (cyanide or prussic acid). In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being[238]. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Prunus spinosa Sloe - Blackthorn for inflammation of mouth and pharynx (see [302] for critics of commission E). Other Uses Cosmetic ; Dye ; Hedge ; Hedge ; Ink ; Pioneer ; Tannin ; Wood . The bark is a good source of tannin[7]. It is used to make an ink[66]. The juice of unripe fruits is used as a laundry mark[66], it is almost indelible[115]. The pulped ripe fruit is used cosmetically in making astringent face-masks[7]. A green dye can be obtained from the leaves[168]. A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit[168].

The bark, boiled in an alkali, produces a yellow dye[66]. The sloe is very resistant to maritime exposure and also suckers freely. It can be used as a hedge in exposed maritime positions. The hedge is stock-proof if it is well maintained[1, 29], though it is rather bare in the winter and, unless the hedge is rather wide, it is not a very good shelter at this time[K]. Because of its suckering habit, the plant is a natural pioneer species, invading cultivated fields and creating conditions conducive to the regeneration of woodland. Wood - very hard. Used for turnery, the teeth of rakes etc[1, 13, 46, 66]. Suitable branches are used for making walking sticks and are highly valued for this purpose because of their twisted and interesting shapes[7]. Cultivation details Landscape Uses:Specimen. Requires a well-drained moisture retentive soil[11]. Succeeds in all soils except very acid peats[186]. Succeeds in light shade but fruits better in a sunny position[11, 200]. Thrives in a loamy soil, doing well on limestone[11].

Prefers some chalk in the soil but apt to become chlorotic if too much is present[1]. Thrives on chalk according to another report[182]. Plants are very resistant to maritime exposure[186]. An important food plant for the caterpillars of several species of butterfly[30], especially the larvae of the brown and black hairstreak butterflies[186]. A good bee plant. Plants are shallow-rooted and of a suckering habit, they can form dense impenetrable thickets which are ideal for nesting birds, especially nightingales[186]. Flowers are often damaged by late frosts[186]. Plants regenerate quickly after cutting or after fast moving forest fires, producing suckers from below ground level[186]. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[88, 200]. Special Features: All or parts of this plant are poisonous, Blooms are very showy. Propagation Seed - requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[200]. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year as possible[200].

Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate[113]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in a greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in a frame[11, 200]. Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants in spring to early summer in a frame. Layering in spring. Division of suckers during the dormant season. They can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. Other Names Found In Weed Potential Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Related Plants Prunus spinosa | Encyclopedia of Puget Sound effuse colony of Acrogenospora anamorph of Acrogenospora sphaerocephala is saprobic on rotten wood of Prunus spinosa Plant / associate Anthocoris gallarum-ulmi is associated with aphid-galled leaf of Prunus spinosa Plant / associate Anthonomus rufus is associated with Prunus spinosa In Great Britain and/or Ireland: Foodplant / saprobe fruitbody of Auricularia auricula-judae is saprobic on wood of Prunus spinosa Plant / associate Cardiastethus fasciiventris is associated with lichen-covered Prunus spinosa Other: major host/prey subiculate perithecium of Chaetosphaerella phaeostroma is associated with fungus infected, fallen branch of Prunus spinosa Remarks: season: 9-4 perithecium of Chaetosphaeria myriocarpa is saprobic on fallen, dead branch of Prunus spinosa Remarks: season: 1-12 adult of Cryptocephalus bipunctatus may

 be found on Prunus spinosa Remarks: season: 4-late 8 Foodplant / saprobe conidioma of Foveostroma coelomycetous anamorph of Dermea padi is saprobic on dead twig of Prunus spinosa Foodplant / saprobe erumpent pycnidium of Foveostroma coelomycetous anamorph of Dermea prunastri is saprobic on dead twig of Prunus spinosa Foodplant / parasite Phomopsis coelomycetous anamorph of Diaporthe perniciosa parasitises live branch of Prunus spinosa Foodplant / saprobe fruitbody of Dichomitus efibulatus is saprobic on dead, white-rotten wood of Prunus spinosa Foodplant / saprobe resupinate fruitbody of Eichleriella deglubens is saprobic on fallen branch of Prunus spinosa Foodplant / saprobe stroma of Encoelia fimbriata is saprobic on dead wood of Prunus spinosa Other: minor host/prey erumpent apothecium of Encoelia fuckelii is sap

robic on dead branch of Prunus spinosa Remarks: season: 4 Foodplant / saprobe effuse colony of Endophragmiella anamorph of Endophragmiella boothii is saprobic on dead wood of Prunus spinosa Remarks: season: 10-4 immersed perithecium of Endoxyla cirrhosa is saprobic on rotten wood of Prunus spinosa Remarks: season: good condition: 4-5 Foodplant / parasite fruitbody of Entoloma clypeatum parasitises live root of Prunus spinosa Remarks: season: 4-6 Eriophyes similis causes gall of leaf of Prunus spinosa Foodplant / parasite cleistothecium of Erysiphe prunastri parasitises Prunus spinosa Foodplant / open feeder colonial, tented caterpillar of Euproctis chrysorrhoea grazes on live leaf of Prunus spinosa Remarks: season: 8-7 stromatic, immersed perithecium of Eutypa flavovirens is saprobic on dead wood of Prunus spinosa Remarks: season: 1-12

 Foodplant / saprobe stromatic, densely crowded perithecium of Eutypella prunastri is saprobic on dead, often attached branch of Prunus spinosa Remarks: season: 4-5 fruitbody of Exidiopsis calcea is saprobic on dead, decayed wood of Prunus spinosa Foodplant / saprobe fruitbody of Ganoderma australe is saprobic on dead trunk of Prunus spinosa Plant / resting place / within ovum of Hoplocampa chrysorrhoea may be found in ovary of Prunus spinosa Plant / resting place / within ovum of Hoplocampa flava may be found in ovary of Prunus spinosa Plant / resting place / within ovum of Hoplocampa rutilicornis may be found in ovary of Prunus spinosa Other: sole host/prey fruitbody of Hygrocybe chlorophana is associated with Prunus spinosa Other: minor host/prey fruitbody of Hypocreopsis rhododendri is associated with live branch of Prunus spinosa Foodplant / saprobe Geniculosporium anamorph of Hypoxylon howeanum is saprobic

 on dead branch of Prunus spinosa Remarks: season: 1-4 hysterothecium of Hysterium angustatum is saprobic on dead, decorticate branch of Prunus spinosa Remarks: season: 3-5 Foodplant / saprobe colony of Monodictys dematiaceous anamorph of Monodictys putredinis is saprobic on rotten wood of Prunus spinosa Foodplant / open feeder social larva of Nematus lucidus grazes on leaf of Prunus spinosa Plant / associate perithecium of Nitschkia collapsa is associated with fungus-infested Prunus spinosa Remarks: season: 8-3 perithecium of Nitschkia cupularis is saprobic on dead, decorticate branch of Prunus spinosa Remarks: season: 10-4 Orthotylus marginalis feeds on Prunus spinosa Foodplant / saprobe Diplodia coelomycetous anamorph of Otthia spiraeae is saprobic on dead branch of Prunus spinosa Remarks: season: 11-4 adult of Oulema obscura may be found

 on Prunus spinosa Remarks: season: 7- larva of Pareophora pruni grazes on leaf of Prunus spinosa Other: sole host/prey fruitbody of Perenniporia ochroleuca is saprobic on dead, fallen twig of Prunus spinosa Foodplant / saprobe sessile apothecium of Pezizella leucostigma is saprobic on branch of Prunus spinosa Other: major host/prey fruitbody of Phellinus pomaceus is saprobic on dead Prunus spinosa Other: major host/prey fruitbody of Phlebiopsis ravenelii is saprobic on dead, decayed wood of Prunus spinosa Other: minor host/prey Phorodon humuli sucks sap of live shoot of Prunus spinosa Remarks: season: 3-6, autumn Phyllobius oblongus feeds on Prunus spinosa Plant / associate Physatocheila dumetorum is associated with lichen-covered branch of Prunus spinosa Foodplant / parasite evanescent, mainly hypophyllous conidial anamorph of Podosphaera tridactyla parasitises live leaf

 of Prunus spinosa Foodplant / saprobe stromatic, immersed perithecium of Polystigma rubrum is saprobic on dead, fallen, overwintered leaf of Prunus spinosa Other: major host/prey solitary larva of Pristiphora biscalis grazes on leaf of Prunus spinosa Foodplant / feeds on larva of Pristiphora monogyniae feeds on Prunus spinosa Other: sole host/prey Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae sucks sap of live Prunus spinosa Remarks: season: winter larva of Rhynchites aequatus feeds within fruit of Prunus spinosa Other: major host/prey larva of Rhynchites auratus feeds within fruit kernel of Prunus spinosa Other: major host/prey larva of Rhynchites caeruleus feeds within decaying shoot of Prunus spinosa Other: major host/prey larva of Rhynchites pauxillus feeds within leaf (midrib) of Prunus spinosa Foodplant / saprobe fruitbody of Serendipita vermifera is saprobic on dead, decayed wood of Prunus spinosa Other: major host/pre

y fruitbody of Skeletocutis nivea is saprobic on dead, fallen, decayed stick of Prunus spinosa Other: minor host/prey fruitbody of Stypella subhyalina is saprobic on dead, decayed wood of Prunus spinosa Other: major host/prey Foodplant / pathogen infection of Taphrina pruni infects and damages live, distorted, stunted, swollen, pale yellow tinged red shoot of Prunus spinosa Foodplant / spot causer hypophyllous uredium of Tranzschelia discolor causes spots on live leaf of Prunus spinosa Remarks: season: 7-9 Blackthorn videos, photos and facts - Prunus spinosa | ARKive Top Blackthorn biology This deciduous shrub flowers from late February to early March to April (5) .The flowers are pollinated by a range of insects (2) .

In addition to flavouring gin, sloes are used in jellies, conserves and syrups and were made to make sloe wine, an alternative to port (5) (4) . They have also been put to various uses in folk-medicine (6) . The flowers are edible and the leaves have been dried and used as a substitute for tea (6) . Furthermore, dyes have been obtained form the fruits, leaves and bark (5) . The wood of blackthorn is extremely hard and is highly valued for making walking sticks as it shows interesting patterns and knot-holes (4) . Top Blackthorn range Widespread in Britain southwards of Sutherland and Caithness and reaching altitudes of up to 415m in Yorkshire (2) . Elsewhere, this shrub is found in Europe with the exceptions of the far north and north-east, and extends as far east as Iran. It also occurs in south-western Siberia (2) .

blackthorn | shrub, Prunus spinosa | Britannica.com shrub, Prunus spinosa Alternative Titles: Prunus spinosa, sloe Similar Topics cherry laurel Blackthorn ( Prunus spinosa), also called sloe, spiny shrub of the rose family ( Rosaceae ), native to Europe but cultivated in other regions. Blackthorn usually grows less than 3.6 metres (12 feet) tall and has numerous small deciduous leaves . Its dense growth makes it suitable for hedges. The white flowers , about 2 cm (0.8 inch) in diameter, have five petals and appear before the leaves. The tart bluish black fruit is a drupe , about 2 cm in diameter, and is used to flavour sloe gin . Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) Time-lapse video, filmed over three days, of blackthorn (Prunus … Video by Neil Bromhall; music, Paul Pitman/Musopen.org (A Britannica Publishing Partner) Learn More in these related articles: shrub any woody plant that has several stems, none dominant, and is usually less than 3 m (10 feet) tall.

When much-branched and dense, it may be called a bush. Intermediate between shrubs and trees are arborescences, or treelike shrubs, from 3 to 6 m tall. Trees are generally defined as woody plants... Rosaceae the rose family of flowering plants (order Rosales), composed of some 2,500 species in more than 90 genera. The family is primarily found in the north temperate zone and occurs in a wide variety of habitats. A number of species are of economic importance as food crops, including apples, almonds,... leaf (plant anatomy) in botany, any usually flattened green outgrowth from the stem of a vascular plant. Leaves manufacture food for plants, which in turn ultimately nourish and sustain all land animals. Botanically, leaves are an integral part of the stem system, and they are initiated in the apical bud along with the... 1 Reference found in Britannica Articles Assorted Reference use in sloe gin (in gin (liquor) ) External Links Blackthorn is a spiny shrub of the rose family (Rosaceae). The blackthorn shrub is also called sloe; its scientific name is Prunus spinosa.

Article History Corrections? Updates? Help us improve this article! Contact our editors with your feedback. MEDIA FOR: You have successfully emailed this. Error when sending the email. Try again later. Edit Mode Submit Tips For Editing We welcome suggested improvements to any of our articles. You can make it easier for us to review and, hopefully, publish your contribution by keeping a few points in mind. Encyclopædia Britannica articles are written in a neutral objective tone for a general audience. You may find it helpful to search within the site to see how similar or related subjects are covered. Any text you add should be original, not copied from other sources. At the bottom of the article, feel free to list any sources that support your changes, so that we can fully understand their context. (Internet URLs are the best.) Your contribution may be further edited by our staff, and its publication is subject to our final approval. Unfortunately, our editorial approach may not be able to accommodate all contributions. Submit Thank You for Your Contribution! Our editors will review what you've submitted, and if it meets our criteria, we'll add it to the article.

Please note that our editors may make some formatting changes or correct spelling or grammatical errors, and may also contact you if any clarifications are needed. Uh Oh There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later. Close Date Published: January 28, 2015 URL: Access Date: January 18, 2017 Share Blackthorn (Prunus Spinosa) - Weleda.com Z | Blackthorn (Prunus Spinosa) Commonly referred to as Blackthorn, this deciduous shrub features thorny branches and white flowers that bloom in early spring. Blackthorn is a member of the Rosaceae or Rose family. This plant grows in light thickets and sunny slopes throughout Europe, western Asia and northern Africa. The Blackthorn extract comes from the sprout heads of this plant, which are rich in Vitamin C. The juice, which contains a high quantity of tannins, acids and vitamin C, is collected from the blue Blackthorn fruits. Blackthorn is used externally to stimulate the skin’s self-strengthening and metabolic functions.

In Prunus Spinosa 2X: according to A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica by John Clarke, MD, 3rd ed. 1987, vol. 3, p. 890), Blackthorn is given in Homeopathy for lassitude in morning, as after unrefreshing sleep. Blackthorn (Prunus Spinosa) Flower Extract is used in: Buy Blackthorn Trees Hedging - Prunus spinosa | Trees By Post Blackthorn Prunus spinosa The Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) is native throughout the British Isles and grows to around 4m if left uncut. The white flowers appear in early spring before coming into leaf, standing out against the black twigs. Blackthorn spreads with suckers and has strong thorns so is often used in hedging to create a stronger barrier. In folklore, Blackthorn has a sinister reputation often associated with witchcraft. Many birds nest among its branches and the fruit, sloes, are made into jam, wine and used for flavouring gin. The current height of the trees is approximately 30-50cm and they can be planted out all year round.

RHS Perfect for Pollinators in Spring. Plant in wet, dry, upland and exposed sites Likes poor and heavy soils Common hedge plant in British Isles Attracts wildlife Would you like to add any of the extras below? This item is available with the following extras. £14.95 £9.95 4 x Tubex Ecostart Tubes (0.6m) The Tubex Ecostart improves the micro-climate around the plant, enhancing growth during the establishment period. The Tubex Ecostart offers reliable protection against rabbits and wind at 0.6m high. Suitable for trees used in hedging and landscaping. The Tubex Ecostart suits any type of soil conditions with its pre-fitted releasable ratchet tie for attachment to a stake or cane. £14.95 £9.95 £24.95 £19.95 15 x Tubex Ecostart Tubes (0.6m) The Tubex Ecostart improves the micro-climate around the plant, enhancing growth during the establishment period. The Tubex Ecostart offers reliable protection against rabbits and wind at 0.6m high.

Suitable for trees used in hedging and landscaping. The Tubex Ecostart suits any type of soil conditions with its pre-fitted releasable ratchet tie for attachment to a stake or cane. £24.95 £19.95 £39.95 £34.95 30 x Tubex Ecostart Tubes (0.6m) The Tubex Ecostart improves the micro-climate around the plant, enhancing growth during the establishment period. The Tubex Ecostart offers reliable protection against rabbits and wind at 0.6m high. Suitable for trees used in hedging and landscaping. The Tubex Ecostart suits any type of soil conditions with its pre-fitted releasable ratchet tie for attachment to a stake or cane. £39.95 £34.95 £54.95 £49.95 45 x Tubex Ecostart Tubes (0.6m) The Tubex Ecostart improves the micro-climate around the plant, enhancing growth during the establishment period. The Tubex Ecostart offers reliable protection against rabbits and wind at 0.6m high.

Suitable for trees used in hedging and landscaping. The Tubex Ecostart suits any type of soil conditions with its pre-fitted releasable ratchet tie for attachment to a stake or cane. £54.95 £49.95 £69.95 £64.95 60 x Tubex Ecostart Tubes (0.6m) The Tubex Ecostart improves the micro-climate around the plant, enhancing growth during the establishment period. The Tubex Ecostart offers reliable protection against rabbits and wind at 0.6m high. Suitable for trees used in hedging and landscaping. The Tubex Ecostart suits any type of soil conditions with its pre-fitted releasable ratchet tie for attachment to a stake or cane. £69.95 £64.95 £84.95 £79.95 75 x Tubex Ecostart Tubes (0.6m) The Tubex Ecostart improves the micro-climate around the plant, enhancing growth during the establishment period. The Tubex Ecostart offers reliable protection against rabbits and wind at 0.6m high.

Suitable for trees used in hedging and landscaping. The Tubex Ecostart suits any type of soil conditions with its pre-fitted releasable ratchet tie for attachment to a stake or cane. £84.95 £79.95

Question: What is the fruit of the blackthorn (prunus spinosa)?
Answer: Sloe