Blackthorn – Prunus Spinosa (Potted)

Description

Blackthorn, Prunus spinosa, this deciduous plant is mainly used for hedging. It is ideal as a stock proof hedge. It is, however, not ideal for horse paddocks as the thorns are quite sharp and, I am told, not good for horses. There must be hundreds of miles of blackthorn hedging in the UK. It can be layered extensively and is ideal to mix with other hedging species. I understand that the berries, when ripe in the autumn, can be used to be added to gin in order to make sloe gin. This species will grow in most soil types and the birds love to eat the ripe berries.