Photographs: Co.Cork

Blackthorn / Sloe Prunus spinosa Draighean Family: Rosaceae Flowering time: March-May. Deciduous shrub. Native. White flowers, appearing before the leaves. Blue-black fruit in autumn, edible but very astringent. Dull green lanceolate leaves. Produces many suckers. Very spiny. Height: 1-4m Hedges, woods, scrubland.

Photograph above: Prostrate form in the Burren, Co.Clare.