Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)

A thorny tree known for its sloes, commonly used to make gin.

SKU: PRSP

Choose your pack size: *

£10.95

About blackthorn
(Prunus spinosa)

A spiny, densley branched tree that produces white flowers in early spring and purple-black fruits (sloes) in late summer.

Growth and size

Mature height: 4m.
Growth rate: 40-60cm per year.
Supplied as 20-50cm cell-grown saplings.
Can be planted all year round with proper care.

Value to wildlife

Early source of nectar and pollen for bees and other insects.
Food plant of lackey, magpie, swallow-tailed and yellow-tailed moths, as well as black and brown hairstreak butterflies.
Birds often nest among the dense, thorny thickets.

Soil and conditions

Grows in moist, well-drained soil.
Prefers full sunlight.

Grown responsibly

UK sourced and grown (UKISG certified).
Reduces risk of spreading pests and diseases.
Delivered in 100% recyclable LDPE wrap.

Did you know?

The tree is associated with witchcraft; it's said that witches make their wands and staffs from blackthorn wood.

Description
Blackthorn video
Planting & care information
Delivery information

About blackthorn
(Prunus spinosa)

A spiny, densley branched tree that produces white flowers in early spring and purple-black fruits (sloes) in late summer.

Growth and size

Mature height: 4m.
Growth rate: 40-60cm per year.
Supplied as 20-50cm cell-grown saplings.
Can be planted all year round with proper care.

Value to wildlife

Soil and conditions

Grows in moist, well-drained soil.
Prefers full sunlight.

Grown responsibly

UK sourced and grown (UKISG certified).
Reduces risk of spreading pests and diseases.
Delivered in 100% recyclable LDPE wrap.

Did you know?

The tree is associated with witchcraft; it's said that witches make their wands and staffs from blackthorn wood.

Planting information

Spacing
Plant trees roughly 2m apart. Consider the final size of the tree, nearby buildings, services and other plants to avoid future damage to the roots and canopy as the tree grows.

Tree protection
If your sapling could be at risk from animals like rabbits or deer, consider protecting them. Take a look at our tree protection options.

Best time to plant
October-February (dormant season) - ideal planting time.
Keep your sapling moist, in light conditions and free from frost and wind. In these conditions, it can last a few weeks before planting.

Ongoing care
Weed around the base to reduce competition for nutrients.
Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
For detailed guidance, take a look at our tree care instructions.

Free delivery

Free standard delivery for all trees within 10 working days. Orders of more than 900 trees may take longer.

Order information

We are unable to hold or delay orders. Multiple items or accessories may be delivered separately.

To reduce packaging waste and minimise environmental impact, multiple items ordered together may be packed in a single box. All trees will remain fully protected during delivery. If you would prefer your trees to be packaged separately, please contact our support services team via email at shop@woodlandtrust.org.uk and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Sapling appearance

You will receive a cell-grown sapling, approximately 15–60cm in height. Depending on the season (especially early spring), your sapling may not look very perky on arrival. Don’t worry – once planted, it should recover quickly.

Shipping restrictions

We do not deliver to Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

Further information

You can find more information about delivery and packaging in our frequently asked questions.

Customers who bought this item also bought