Blackthorn, Sloe - (Draighean)

Grown as a Tree

A well known native tree, the strong white flowers appear before the leaves and it is a great herald of Spring in our hedgerows across the country. The timber from blackthorn is dense, burns exceptionally well and with little smoke, it is also used to make shillelagh sticks & In folklore, blackthorn is favoured by witches for making staffs or wands. Blackthorn produces purple sloes that can are used in preserves and to flavour Gin. Birds love the fruits and the dense cover this great native tree provides. Wind and coastal hardy. Will grow nearly anywhere.

Grown as a Hedge

A traditional country hedgerow plant that makes a robust, stock proof thorny hedge that is very attractive to wildlife. A blackthorn hedge is vigorous and will sucker and must be cut to keep it in bounds.

Site: Tolerates coastal exposure
Soil: Any well-drained soil, not fussy
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of Interest: Blossom in Spring, sloes in Autumn
Hardiness: Hardy
Height: 20ft (6m) Spread: 12ft (4m)
Hedging Spacings: Up to 6 plants per metre in a staggered line for a stock proof hedge

If you are participating in the ACRES Scheme and want to order native plants, please go to our ACRES PAGE for information on how to order your plants.

Please do not order online for the Acres Scheme.