Blackthorn

(Prunus spinosa)

Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)

Martin Olsson

CC BY-SA 3.0

Image By: Martin Olsson

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Martin Olsson | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ | Uploader: Mnemo | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Closeup_of_blackthorn_aka_sloe_aka_prunus_spinosa_sweden_20050924.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description= Pseudobombax ellipticum |Source= self-made |Date= created 06. Jun. 2009 |Author= Frank Vincentz |Permission= GFDL (self made) |Other_versions= }} == Licensing == {{GFDL-self}} [[Category:Pseudobom

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Prunus spinosa, commonly known as Blackthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, hedgerows, and scrub areas across Europe and western Asia. It typically grows to 5 meters (16 ft) tall, but can occasionally reach up to 6 meters. Blackthorn is characterized by its blackish bark, dense, stiff, and spiny branches that often form an impenetrable thicket. The leaves are small and oval-shaped, with a serrated margin. The flowers, which are about 1.5 centimeters (1⁄2 inch) in diameter, have five creamy-white petals and are quite showy; they bloom in early spring before the leaves emerge and are hermaphroditic, attracting various pollinating insects. The fruit, known as sloes, are dark blue to black drupes with a sharp flavor, often used in making sloe gin and jellies.

Blackthorn is valued for its wildlife-friendly attributes, providing shelter and food for birds and insects. It is also appreciated for its dense, spiny branches, which make it an excellent choice for hedging and boundary planting. The plant is hardy and can tolerate a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional pruning to maintain its shape and to remove deadwood. However, it can be prone to diseases such as silver leaf and bacterial canker. When grown outside its native range, Blackthorn may become invasive, so it is important to consult local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
Height: 4-18 feet
Width: 6-12 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: White
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to open woodlands, hedgerows, and scrub areas across Europe and western Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Sloe, Sloe Of Europe, Slåen, Schlehe, Schwarzdorn, Prunellier, Erkšku Plume, Sleedoorn, Slån

Scientific Names: , Prunus spinosa, Prunus coronata, Prunus latiflora, Prunus densa, Prunus erythrocalyx, Prunus glomerata, Prunus subinermis, Prunus ericiflora, Prunus spinosa var. dasyphylla

GBIF Accepted Name: Prunus spinosa L.