Blackthorn
Irish Name - Draighean
Ulster-Scots - Slaebush
Family - Rosaceae
Characteristics
- Blackthorn is a dense spiny shrub rarely exceeding 4m (12ft).
- As a plant it is very hardy, but the flowers can be damaged by late frosts.
- Blackthorn's latin name means "spiny plum".
- It regenerates very quickly after cutting or burning.
- Blackthorn produces suckers from below ground level and is a very good barrier and hedging plant.
Season
- Flowers open between March and April.
- The blue/black pulpy fruit ripens during October.
Preferred Environment
- Blackthorn is found in open areas and along the edges of woodland, in scrub, and hedgerows.
- It occurs on a wide range of soils, avoiding only extremely acid conditions, particularly where the soil is peaty.
- It is not tolerant of heavy shade, but withstands exposure to winds and coastal conditions.
Wildlife Associations
- There are 109 identified insect species associated with the blackthorn.
- Blackthorn often grows unchecked in woodland where trees have been felled. Spiny branches create virtually impenetrable thickets that provide excellent bird nesting cover.
- Birds eat the blackthorn fruit, and help to spread the plant by dropping or excreting the seed in new locations.
Uses
- The popular Irish shillelagh is made from blackthorn.
- Blackthorn stems trimmed and polished to a handsome black surface are used for walking sticks.