Prunus spinosa

Blackthorn

Prunus spinosa, Blackthorn, is a thorny shrub which, together with Hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna, forms a substantial part of hedges. Unlike Hawthorn, Blackthorn speads by suckers, making dense thickets. Whereas Hawthorn flowers after coming into leaf, Blackthorn flowers first. Blackthorn is a type of plum. Its fruits, commonly known as sloes, are small sour plums. Both of these shrubs are in the Rosaceae (rose family). Hedgelaying is the traditional way of making stock-proof hedges with plenty of dense low growth. Today, there is a reliance on wire fencing bordering hedges.