Blackthorn   /   Prunus spinosa

Area of origin: Europe, Western Asia.
Adult Dimensions: Height up to 5 m (16,4'), width up to 6 m (19,7').
Foliage: Deciduous.
Soil Type: All.
Hardiness: Hardy to -28°C.
Exposure: Full sun.

 Characteristics and Uses: White flowers in April before the leaves.  The blue black fruits of 1.5cm in diameter are too bitter to eat.  Nevertheless it is picked in autumn and used to flavour vodka, or gin. This shrub is often bushy and very interesting in country hedges.

The Prunus spinosa is used in the following hedge :
Country Hedge 'Pierre'