Blackthorn - Prunus spinosa

Blackthorn or Hawthorn? Many people get confused with these two native and prickly shrubs. However, there is an easy way to tell the difference. The Blackthorn blossoms before it comes into leaf.

The Hawthorn comes into leaf before it blossoms (May blossom  -  although these days, it can be in flower before the end of April). The Blackthorn is related to the cherries, and it produces sloes in the autumn  -  very popular of course for making Sloe gin.

Blackthorn is already starting to appear (in February) although March is the main month for the  flowers to appear. In olden days, Blackthorn blossom often appeared in March during periods of  very cold weather. Although the flowers suggested the arrival of spring, because of the cold weather, these times were known as 'Blackthorn Winters'.    

Look for the lovely white flowers of the Blackthorn during the coming weeks, on Bournemouth's countryside sites.