BLACKTHORN OR SLOE (PRUNUS SPINOSA)

It was believed that Christ's Crown of Thorns was made from Blackthorn. To bring Blackthorn blossom into the home meant a certain death would follow. In Herefordshire and Worcestershire, a wreath or globe of Blackthorn twigs would be scorched on a fire on New Year's morning and then burned in a wheatfield in the furrows and its ashes scattered over the wheat. Then a new globe or wreath would be made and hung in the farmhouse kitchen ready for next year. It was believed that this ritual would rid the field of the devil. In a similar vein, Blackthorn would be scorched and hung up with mistletoe for good luck.

Blackthorn in bloom is considered an emblem of life and death together as the flowers appear when the tree has no leaves, just black bark and thorns. It is considered wise not to grow three trees closely together. It is said that a Hawthorn will destroy any Blackthorn near it. On the Isle of Man it is believed that if the Blackthorn and the Hawthorn have many berries then the ensuing winter will be severe.

In Irish folklore it was believed that the "little people" lived in Blackthorn bushes. Fairy tribes, called Lunantishees, are said to guard Blackthorn trees and will not let you cut branches off it on 11 November or 11 May - if you do you will be cursed with bad luck. It was also bad luck to wear the flowers in your buttonhole. Another belief was that a Blackthorn wand with thorns fixed to the ends was harmful; while a carved rod carried by Devonshire witches was thought to cause miscarriage.

The flowers produce nectar for humblebees and early-flying Small Tortoiseshell butterflies. The leaves provide food for the larvae of Black and Brown Hairstreak butterflies. The tree is also the food plant for the caterpillars of the following moths - March, Common Emerald, Little Emerald, Mottle Pug, Feathered Thorn, Orange, Scalloped Hazel, Scalloped Oak, Swallowtailed, Brimstone, August Thorn, Early Thorn, Pale Brindled Beauty, Blue Bordered Carpet, Broken Barred Carpet, November, Pale November, Winter, Sloe Pug, Green Pug, Sharp Angled Peacock and The Magpie. In fact, Blackthorn supports around 153 species of wildlife. Particularly favoured by nightingales.

The dried juice of the berries makes gum acacia. The flowers and fruit make a good tonic for diarrhoea and other bowel problems. Sloe syrup has anti-rheumatic properties and can help fight flu. The plant is also good for nosebleeds, constipation and eye pain. Sloe berries were first used by herbalists for treating stomach problems and blood disorders. They are still used in wine, gin and vodka as flavouring. Sloes can also be made into a paste for whitening teeth and removing tartar. The berries taste better and not so bitter if harvested after a few frosts. Ancient folk used to bury the sloes in straw-lined pits for a few months to ripen them and make them sweeter. A Neolithic lake village in Glastonbury was found to have such a pit, full of sloe stones.

The sharp thorns have been used for centuries as awls. Blackthorn is also the traditional wood used in wands for tribal medicine people and wise women etc. It is also used to make the traditional Irish shillelagh - cudgel - used in fighting sports. The tree also makes good firewood, marquetry and walking sticks.

Blackthorn doesn't like heavy shade but will provide protection for smaller plants growing underneath, and withstands strong winds. As it doesn't mind wet either it is a good plant for coastal areas. Will thrive on quite poor soil but doesn't like chalk or acidic soil. Blackthorn sends up many suckers which can be controlled by mowing, unless you particularly want a dense thicket. Heright in 10 years if left as a tree - 3 m.

*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*