Blackthorn

Description

Prunus spinosa is a large deciduous shrub or small tree growing to 5 metres (16 ft) tall, flowers early spring and is sometimes confused with Cherry Plum. The shrub, with its savage thorns, is traditionally used in Britain to make a hedge. The Leaves and flowers make a yellow while the fruit blue or pink, the bark will also make a yellow dye.

If using in as  hedge: All species in a wildlife hedge can be cut back or “Coppiced” without harm. In the 1st year after establishment the hedge can be cut back to stimulate growth of the hedge from the base thereafter cut every 2-3 years. If the weather is unsuitable for planting or receiving the hedging, dig a hole and bury the roots of the bunched plants, they can be held like that till planting. After planting it is advantageous to mulch the hedge with lawn mowing or leaf mould to suppress weeds and also be done with plastic or carpet cuts and covered with soil.