1. Native / Non-native Status
Native to the UK, Europe, and western Asia.
2. Evergreen / Deciduous
Deciduous – leaves fall in autumn.
3. Appearance
Leaves: Small, oval leaves (2–4 cm), finely toothed, dark green above, paler beneath. Arranged alternately on twigs.
Bark: Dark brown to almost black, giving the tree its name. Twigs are dense and spiny.
Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Masses of pure white five-petalled flowers appear in early spring (March–April) before the leaves. Fruits are blue-black berries known as sloes, ripening in autumn.
Overall shape: Usually a dense, thorny shrub or small tree, forming thickets and hedges with a rounded, bushy crown.
4. Typical Size
3–6 m tall, occasionally up to 8 m; spread 3–5 m.
5. Habitat & Range
Common across the UK in hedgerows, scrub, woodland edges, and rough grassland. Thrives in many soils but prefers well-drained ground. Frequently used in hedging.
6. Distinctive Features (ID tips)
Dense, spiny twigs.
White flowers before leaves in early spring.
Blue-black sloes in autumn.
Very dark bark.
7. Seasonal Changes
Spring: Masses of white blossom before leaves.
Summer: Dense green foliage, forming thickets.
Autumn: Blue-black sloes ripen.
Winter: Bare, spiny twigs stand stark in hedgerows.
8. Human Uses
Sloes used to make sloe gin, jams, and preserves.
Dense growth and thorns make it excellent for stock-proof hedging.
Wood is hard and traditionally used for walking sticks (notably Irish shillelaghs).
9. Wildlife Value
Flowers provide an early nectar source for bees and pollinators.
Fruits eaten by birds and mammals, including thrushes and foxes.
Dense, thorny growth offers safe nesting sites for birds.
Caterpillars of several moth species feed on the leaves.
10. Fun Fact / Cultural Note
In folklore, blackthorn was associated with protection but also with witchcraft and misfortune.
Traditionally regarded as the darker counterpart to hawthorn, flowering earlier in spring.
Sloes are often picked after the first frost, which softens their bitterness.
11. Planting & Care (Basic Instructions)
Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.
Soil: Tolerant of most soils, including chalk and clay; prefers well-drained sites.
Light: Grows best in full sun but tolerates partial shade.
Watering: Water young plants regularly; drought-tolerant once established.
Spacing: 30–60 cm apart for hedging; 2–4 m for individual shrubs.
Aftercare: Mulch to retain moisture. Prune hedges in late winter. Can sucker readily, forming dense thickets.
12. Good for Urban or Garden Setting?
Urban: Suitable for wildlife-friendly planting in parks and hedges, but spines and suckering can be problematic in tight spaces.
Garden: Excellent for naturalistic, wildlife, or hedging schemes in medium to large gardens. Not ideal for small gardens due to spreading habit and sharp thorns.