description Prunus spinosa Overview
Prunus spinosa, commonly called blackthorn or sloe, is a deciduous, spiny shrub in the rose family native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. It produces dense white blossom on bare branches in early spring before the leaves appear, followed by small, astringent blue-black fruits known as sloes. The fruits are traditionally used to flavor sloe gin and, less commonly, jams and preserves. Blackthorn is a common hedgerow species in Britain and Ireland and provides habitat and food for numerous bird and insect species.
insights Ranking position
Prunus spinosa ranks #191 of 535 in the Shrub ranking, behind Tibouchina urvilleana, ahead of Plumbago auriculata.
help Prunus spinosa FAQ
What are sloes used for in cooking and drink-making?
The astringent blue-black fruits of Prunus spinosa, known as sloes, are most famously used to make sloe gin by steeping them in gin with sugar for several months. They can also be made into jams, jellies, and fruit wines, though their intense tartness means they are rarely eaten raw.
When does blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) flower?
Prunus spinosa produces dense white blossom on bare branches in early spring, typically in March or April in the UK, before the leaves appear. This early flowering makes it one of the first woody plants to bloom in the British hedgerow and a critical early nectar source for pollinators.
How do you tell blackthorn apart from hawthorn?
Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) flowers before its leaves emerge in early spring, while hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) flowers after its leaves appear, typically in May. Blackthorn also has sharp, dark thorns along its stems, whereas hawthorn thorns are generally lighter in color and less densely packed.
Is Prunus spinosa native to the UK?
Yes, Prunus spinosa is native to the UK and is one of the most common hedgerow shrubs in the British countryside. Its native range extends across much of Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, where it has historically been used for hedging and natural livestock barriers.
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