Blackthorn

Ornamental tree which to be grown on banks, bunds and in moist areas. Its fruits are used in the making of sloe gin and home-made wine. It is also used for its wood, in comestics to make facemasks and as a laxative in herbal tea. It is used to make cattle-proof hedges.

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

It adapts to any soil prefering limestone ones. It is found in bushes, along paths and roads, on dry hills.

Depending on the geographical areas and altitude sowing can take place from February to April. To obtain a more regular and faster germination stratify in cold the seeds for 4-5 months before the sowing. It is possible to use a sowing substrate for potting or soil from the garden together with a sowing substrate if the sowing is made directly into the garden. The substrate must be wet but not soggy until the germination is completed.