blackthorn
Also known as: buckthorn; bullace; skeg; sloe; sloe plum; snag
A small thorny deciduous tree with dark green, ovate leaves, and small white flowers in early spring, followed by ovoid, bloomy black fruits 1.5cm across. If left unchecked, it can produce suckers both upwards and outwards which may become a nuisance, so removal of these is advised unless you require a solid thicket
Scientific classification
- Species
- blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)
- Genus
- Prunus
- Family
- Rosaceae
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- Toxicity
- Trees
- Plant type
- 2.5-4 metres
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- Deciduous
- Foliage
- Bushy
- Habit
- Spring · Summer · Autumn
- Season of interest
- Full sun
- Sunlight
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- Ideal temperature
blackthorn pictures
Distribution of blackthorn
Distribution map
Europe to Russia Med.
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Culture
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Toxicity
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Quick identification of blackthorn
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blackthorn care guide
- Deep watering during dry spells, allowing slight surface drying between soakings
- Watering
- Full sun
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
Watering
Deep watering during dry spells, allowing slight surface drying between soakings
Fertilizing
FertilizingBalanced shrub or tree feed once each early spring
Pruning
PruningLittle pruning is needed. Remove diseased, damaged, crowded or crossing shoots and unwanted growth. If silver leaf disease is a concern, prune in midsummer.
Propagation
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat or propagate by seed
Growing
GrowingEasy to grow native shrub or small tree, that can be used for hedging. Grows in any moist well-drained soil in full sun
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Common pests and diseases
Diseases
May be subject to silver leaf and blossom wilt. High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa
Pests
Susceptible to damage from aphids, caterpillars and bullfinches
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