PLANTS OF BLACKTHORN - PRUNUS SPINOSA

Ornamental tree which can be grown on banks, bunds and in moist areas.  It is mainly used to prepare an alcoholic beverage known as blackthorn liqueur. But it is also used for its wood, to make facemasks and as a laxative. Used to create cattle-proof hedges.

Deciduous tree or shrub up to 4-6m with small white flowers. Small oval leaves. The fruit is blue-blackish and called a "sloe".

It adapts to any types of soils prefering limestone soils. It is found in bushes, along paths and roads, on dry hills.

Dig a hole at least two or three times as wide and deep as the root ball. Take out the plant from the container and loosen roots to allow them to spread out in all direction. Cut possible broken roots. Mix the soil extracted with a substrate and fill part of the hole with the mixture obtained. Place the plant in the hole and cover with the remaining mixture. Compact the soil around the plant and water thoroughly.