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Photograph of Blackthorn
Photo: Wikipedia

Blackthorn

Prunus spinosa

  • Layer 2 · Understorey
  • Edible companion

Status by region

No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.

Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).

Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.

About

Native to Europe, the blackthorn is a very hardy, thorny shrub. It forms dense hedges for wind protection and provides sloes for preserves and liqueurs.

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Needs

  • Water: Low
  • Light: Full sun
  • Size: Thorny shrub up to 3 m
  • Mature diameter: 2.5 m
  • Soils: Clay, Loam, Sandy, Limestone
  • Climates: Atlantic coast, Inland / Continental, Hot, dry Mediterranean, Mountain / cold

Calendar

  1. January — Planting
  2. February — Planting
  3. March
  4. April
  5. May
  6. June
  7. July
  8. August
  9. September
  10. October — Harvest
  11. November — Harvest — Planting
  12. December — Planting
  • Harvest
  • Planting

Medicinal use: The fruits are astringent and used in medicinal infusions and in the production of traditional liqueurs.

Where to buy

Related plants

Other species in the same layer or with the same function.

See which trees the blackthorn grows well with

We have no trees recorded with this species yet. Start from the tree on your land.

See the central trees

No account needed.

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