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Prunus spinosa

Prunus spinosa

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BlackthornShrub, DeciduousFamily: Roseaceae

Height: 5mSpread: 4m
Hardy

Attractive to wildlife

Flower colour:

White

Foliage colour:

Green

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.

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Prunus ‘Spinosa’ and wildlife

Prunus ‘Spinosa’ 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 ‘Spinosa’ poisonous?

Prunus ‘Spinosa’ 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