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.
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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.
