Blackthorn | Reserves and species

Scientific Name:

Prunus spinosa

Blackthorn is a thorny shrub of hedgerows and woodland edges. It bursts into life in March and April when masses of white flowers appear. During the autumn and winter, deep purple fruits (known as 'sloes') ripen on its branches. Blackthorn is an important species for all kinds of wildlife, but is especially vital for the rare Black Hairstreak butterfly who lays its eggs in Blackthorn hedges. Here, they overwinter and the caterpillars emerge in spring ready to feed on the Blackthorn.

How to identify:

Blackthorn has small, oval leaves and five-petalled white flowers. It can be distinguished from the similar Wild Plum or Bullace by its smaller fruit and narrower leaves.

Where to find it:

Widespread.

How people can help:

Blackthorn is the foodplant of the rare Black Hairstreak butterfly which declined massively during the 20th century - it is now restricted to just 45 sites. The Wildlife Trusts manage many woodland nature reserves and hedgerows sympathetically for all kinds of species. A mix of coppicing, hedgelaying, ride maintenance and non-intervention all help woodland and hedgerow wildlife to thrive. You can help too: volunteer for your local Wildlife Trust and you could be involved in everything from traditional forest crafts to surveying for butterflies.

Statistics:

Height: 6-7m

Conservation status:

Common.

Did you know?:

Sloes from Blackthorn are collected in the autumn and early winter to make Sloe Gin, a favourite alcoholic drink in many parts of the country.

Seasons:

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

When to see

Start date:

January

End date:

December

Image:

Flowering blackthorn - northeastwildlife.co.uk