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Blackthorn, prunus spinosa

blackthornLike Hawthorn, Blackthorn is a native that is used in most hedges on farms. It's prickly, which helps keep animals in, or out.

The fruit is attractive for birds and the flowers for insects.

The fruit is edible but exceedingly astringent, it is normally cooked but once the fruit has been frosted it loses some of its astringency and some people find they can enjoy it raw.

The fruit is more usually used in jellies, syrups, conserves etc and as a flavouring for sloe gin and other liqueurs.

In France the unripe fruit is pickled like an olive.

The leaves are used as a tea substitute.

The dried fruits can be added to herbal teas.

The flowers are edible and can be crystallised or sugared.