Draigean
Latin name: Prunus spinosa
Like the hawthorn, the blackthorn is another very common shrub. It is a hardy plant, and its woody thorns and thick brambles make it a popular hedgerow shrub. It grows to about four metres in height, and is sometimes called the sloe bush or wild plum because of the dark fruit it bears 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 if the shrub is a hawthorn or a blackthorn? The hawthorn has light grey stems, while the blackthorn’s stems are much darker.
There is another trick to telling which shrub is which! As you’ve already learned, the white flowers of the hawthorn begin to bloom after the green leaves appear. On a blackthorn, the five-petalled, snow white flowers blossom from March to April for all to admire, before the leaves make any appearance.
If you remember both of these tips, the next time you’re out in the countryside you should have no trouble telling which bush is a hawthorn and which is a blackthorn!
The oval leaves of the blackthorn are a dull green colour with jagged edges. When the summer begins to turn to autumn, dark purple, velvety-looking berries start to grow. These are called sloe berries. They are used as flavouring for sloe gin. Be warned, even though they are also used for making jellies, they are extremely sour!
Blackthorn bushes are very important for wildlife. As with other bushes, such as the hawthorn, they help to provide shelter for birds. Lots of insects are attracted to the blackthorn because of the light sweet scent from its flowers, especially moths and butterflies. These insects help in the pollination process.
Uses of blackthorn
Do you know of any uses for the wood of a blackthorn?
The strong, sturdy nature of the blackthorn wood is ideal for making shillelaghs. Do you know what a shillelagh is? This is a knotted walking stick with a large club on the top, also known as a cudgel.