Blackthorn Trees

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Latin name: Prunus spinosa

Size: Can grow to 6 metres, but more usually grown as a shorter shrub

Distribution: Found throughout the UK

Flowering months: March to April

Special features: The Blackthorn name comes from its long dark coloured thorns which protect the tree from grazing animals.  It is frequently used in hedgerows because it makes a strong, dense prickly barrier.

The Blackthorn has small, oval, tooth-edged leaves which appear after it has finished flowering.  The central vein on the underside of the leaf is hairy.

In late summer, the bitter tasting fruits known as 'sloes' appear.  They are round, about the size of a small marble and blue-black in colour.  They can be added to gin to give it extra flavour and colour.

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