Blackthorn Tree Facts and Information

  • Latin name: Prunus spinosa
  • Native words: Old Irish (draighean), Scots Gaelic (), Old English (slahthorn), Welsh (draenen du), Eastern Celtic ()
  • Ogham sign: St (z)
  • Height when mature: 6m
  • Height after 10 years:

Blackthorn Tree Leaves

Blackthorn Botanical Description

Blackthorn is the first tree to bloom each year. In February or March (depending on winter conditions), creamy white flowers appear before any other foliage, even ahead of its own leaves. The contrast with dark winter twigs is striking. Leaves are small, oval, and toothed, appearing by late March in warmer regions.

Blackthorn branches are covered in sharp spines — a natural defence against grazing animals. Its bitter fruit, known as sloes, are green when unripe and black when ripe, often with a white powdery bloom (a wild yeast).

This species suckers strongly, forming dense thickets. Though shrubby in form, it is botanically classified as a small plum tree.

Natural History and Ancient Wisdom of Blackthorn Trees

Originally called ‘sloh’ in early English, the Blackthorn is renowned for its fruit — sloes — used in making sloe gin and other fermented drinks for centuries. The prominence of sloe-related place names implies the berries held importance for early communities.

In Irish folklore, blackthorn trees offered protection from ghosts. Cutting the tree on May 11th or November 11th was considered unlucky.

The hardwood was traditionally used for polished walking sticks and rake teeth. Today, its gnarled spiny branches are still valued for craftsmanship and fencing.

Blackthorn Tree Sapling

Blackthorn Place Names

  • Slaughterford (Wiltshire) – "ford by the sloes"
  • Slaugham (Sussex) – "hamlet where sloes grew"

Wildlife Rating of Blackthorn Trees

Good. Blackthorn thickets are safe havens for nesting birds, many of which feed on its sloes.

Lesser Whitethroat males often sing from the branches in spring before nesting in the cover below. Brown Hairstreak butterfly caterpillars also feed on new shoots.

Birds distribute the seeds, which may lie dormant for up to 18 months before germination.

Good Points of Blackthorn Trees

  • Excellent for hedging — its spines deter intruders including cats and deer.
  • Compact size (max 6m) makes it suitable for garden boundaries.
  • Early spring blossom adds seasonal interest and charm.

Bad Points of Blackthorn Trees

  • Does not tolerate heavy shade.
  • Requires well-drained soil to thrive.
  • Spines can inflict painful wounds. Vigorous suckering can spread shoots throughout nearby ground.

Buy a Blackthorn Tree

Tree2mydoor has been delivering trees as gifts for over 15 years. Our award-winning service ensures beautifully wrapped trees are sent with care across the UK and Ireland.

Send a Blackthorn Tree Gift or Sloe Bush Gift to a loved one — perfect for anyone who enjoys a delicious homemade sloe gin. The white blossoms bring life to spring gardens, while the fruit offers a seasonal delight.

Looking for a corporate green gift? We can supply bulk saplings for eco-friendly initiatives. Contact us at care@tree2mydoor.com with your project details for a tailored proposal.