Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun
Aspect:
South facing, west facing

Soil

Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Blackthorn, Prunus spinosa, is a native deciduous, spiny shrub used traditionally to make a natural, informal hedge. It provides interest throughout the year, bearing flowers in spring and spherical, purple berries (sloes) in autumn.

If left unclipped, Prunus spinosa eventually develops into a small freestanding tree. It's extremely valuable to wildlife: its leaves are used as a caterpillar foodplant for many species of moth, its spring flowers provide nectar and pollen for pollinators and its autumn berries feed birds and small mammals. What's more, when clipped as a hedge, the dense mass of thorny stems makes the perfect nesting habitat for birds.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyes
Fruitsyesyesyes
Pruneyes
Harvestyesyes

Prunus and wildlife

Prunus is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It is a caterpillar food plant, has nectar/pollen rich flowers, provides shelter and habitat, has seeds for birds and makes a good wildlife hedge.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is known to attract Birds
Birds
Is known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Prunus poisonous?

Prunus can be toxic.

Toxic to:
Is known to attract Cats
Cats
Is known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is known to attract Horses
Horses
No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
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