Prunus spinosa, Blackthorn

Blackthorn is large deciduous shrub or a small tree, growing up to 5 meters high. It thrives on well-drained soils and also tolerates very alkaline soils, shade or semi-shade position.

I found this Blackthorn close to Hulme Garden Centre. It is located in sheltered, but sunny position. There is a small ash tree growing next to it. The soil looks moist and is dark brown in colour.

Bark is blackish and dense with stiff spiny branches. 

The shoots are pointed and thornlike.

Leaves are oval 2 - 4.5 cm long and 1 - 2 cm broad, with a serrated margin. They are important food for the caterpillars of several butterflies.

Flowers are hermaphrodites 1.5 cm diameter with five creamy white petals.

The fruit called 'sloe' us a drupe 10 - 12 mm in diameter, black with a purple-blue waxy bloom.