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blackthorn
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Clusters of round, dark blue-black Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) berries growing among green leaves on woody branches. blackthorn
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Clusters of round, dark blue-black Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) berries growing among green leaves on woody branches.
Blackthorn Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) fruits ripening.

blackthorn

shrub
Also known as: Prunus spinosa, sloe
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History

blackthorn, (Prunus spinosa), spiny shrub of the rose family, native to Europe but cultivated in other regions. The plant’s dense growth makes it suitable for hedges, and the tart fruit is used to flavor sloe gin. Blackthorn usually grows less than 3.6 meters (12 feet) tall and has numerous small deciduous leaves. The white flowers, about 2 cm (0.8 inch) in diameter, have five petals and appear before the leaves in the spring. The bluish...

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