Sloe - Prunus spinosa - €10 per plant

Sloe also known as Blackthorn is a shrub belonging to the same genus (Prunus) as almond, cherry and plum trees. Spinosa refers to the sharp spines or thorns that are characteristic of this plant and make it an excellent choice as a "nurse" plant, ie, to grow around other young saplings to protect them from predators. An important plant for wildlife, its early spring flowers provide nectar for early emerging pollintors, and its dense form provides secure nesting sites for birds and makes it popular in hedging. The fruit is referred to as sloes and is best known by the alcoholic beverage sloe gin, although numerous delicious recipies for jellies and preserves can be found.  To order this plant please contact us [email protected]. 

Context

  • native region: Europe (including Britain) to Western Asia
  • native habitat: Thickets, hedges and open woods, usually in sunny positions
  • family: Rosaceae

Pest and Predators

  • Blackthorn can be susceptible to fungal diseases 

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Semi-shade or no shade
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline and can grow in very alkaline soils
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a - 9b
  • Prefers moist soil    
  • Tolerate maritime exposure.


Known hazards 

  • Although this species has not been specifically mentioned, it belongs to a genus where most, if not all members of the genus produce hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is found mainly in the leaves and seed and is readily detected by its bitter taste. It is usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm but any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.

Overview


  • 2nd yr bare root 
  • Shrub growing to 4m at a medium rate. ​
  • It is in flower in March- April, and the seeds ripen in October. 
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by insects.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. Can grow in very alkaline soil
  • It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. 
  • The plant can tolerate maritime exposure

Characteristics

  • form: medium sized shrub/small tree
  • layer : Shrub
  • habit: deciduous, suckering shrub, densely branched 
  • height x width (m): 4m x 1.5m  

Products 

  • Fruit: Round, dark blue/purple. The fruit is usually used in jellies, syrups, conserves etc and as a flavouring for sloe gin and other liqueurs.
  • Flowers: Pretty and pure white, Flowers commonly appear before the leaves.
  • Leaves: Have been used to make a tea
  • Wood: Blackthorn wood has been used to make walking sticks, clubs and hay-rake teeth. A shillelagh is a highly polished stick of blackthorn wood that was made and used in Ireland and still is to the present day.

Functions, behaviors


  • Functions very well as a hedging plant 
  • Can be used to plant around other young trees to protect them from predation
  • Forms dense thickets if left undisturbed.
  • Blackthorn tolerates most soils, except very acidic ones, but does not do well if shaded.
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project