Fascinating Facts about..
Blackthorn
Scientific name: Prunus spinosa A deciduous densely branched spiny European bush.
Produces white blossom on bare black branches in early spring,
groups of five petelled flowers, which open in March and April, before the leaves, which appear in late April.
Its fruit is the sloe, a sour plum like blue-black fruit, which is ripe September/October and is widely used for making sloe gin.
The leaves are food for the caterpillars of the brown and black hairstreak butterflies.
Has always been popular for hedging due to its stock proof qualities.
Blackthorn provides excellent cover for shy nesting birds such as the knighting gale.
Wood of the blackthorn is highly valued for making walking sticks and other decorative items.
|
