Blackthorn : Prunus spinosa

Plant :  Blackthorn can be an important early season forage for bees.  It belongs to the Rosaceae family.  These thorny spiny shrubs grow up to 4 m high and can be covered in small white blossom early in the season, before its leaves emerge.  The fruit produced by this tree is known as the sloe berry.  It is native to the region and it’s habitat includes hedgerows and margins of woodland.

Flower : It flowers between March and May.  The flower is up to 30 mm in diameter and has five white petals, as well as five sepals.  The flower has several stamen, with long filaments and is characteristic of the Rosaceae family.

Pollen : Click here to see more about Prunus spinose pollen.

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