Blackthorn hedge

Image: © Jonathan Kington Taken: 6 Apr 2011

At this time of year the Blackthorn blossom makes a lovely show and this hedge on Ladderedge Country Park is no exception. For a view of the tree at the far end see Image Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) is also known as Sloe, Wild Plum, Mother of the Wood and Wishing Thorn. Because of its spiny branches and thick, bushy, growth it makes an ideal stock-proof hedging plant that can grow to 5 metres in height. It can be found in a wide range of habitats and will grow on just about any type of ground except extremely acid soil. It produces small white, five petalled, flowers from March to April; these are followed by small, blue-black, plum-like fruits that ripen in September to October. The fruits are an astringent, meaning they will dry your mouth when eaten raw; to harvest them it is better to wait until after a few frosts- this will sweeten them slightly and also reduce the tannin levels. The juice from the berries can be used as a dye, giving linen a reddish colour that will wash out to become a durable pale blue. Traditionally, straight Blackthorn stems have been used to make walking sticks; Blackthorn is also used to make the ‘swagger’ sticks carried by commissioned officers of the Royal Irish Regiment.

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