Draigean
Latin name: Prunus spinosa
The blackthorn is another very common shrub. It has woody thorns and thick brambles. This makes it a perfect hedgerow shrub.
Blackthorn grows to about four metres high. Sometimes it is called the 'sloe' bush or 'wild plum'. This is because of the dark fruit the grows in the autumn.
White flowers of the Blackthorn bush
Photograph of a Blackthorn bush in flower.
White flowers of the Blackthorn bush
White flowers of the Blackthorn bush
Photograph of a Blackthorn bush in flower.
Can you remember how to tell a hawthorn from a blackthorn?
The hawthorn has light grey stems. The blackthorn’s stems are much darker. There is another trick to telling which shrub is which!
The white flowers of the hawthorn bloom after the leaves appear.
On a blackthorn, the white flowers bloom before the leaves appear.
The leaves of the blackthorn are a dull green colour with jagged edges.
During autumn, dark purple berries grow. These are called sloe berries. They are used as flavouring for jellies and gin. Be careful - they are very sour!
Blackthorn bushes are very important for wildlife. They give shelter for birds. Lots of insects like the scent of blackthorn flowers. Moths and butterflies love it! These insects help to carry pollen from flower to flower. The bush can then make its seeds.
Uses of blackthorn
Do you know what blackthorn is used for?
The strong wood of the blackthorn is used for making shillelaghs. Do you know what a shillelagh is? This is a walking stick with a large club on the top. It is also called a 'cudgel'.