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Twig of Blackthorn. Buds
alternate on side shoot which may end in a thorn. No thorns on main
stem . |
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Blackthorn scrub bursts into flower. |
Blackthorn flowers appear before the leaves
appear. Photo:
©
Vic George |
Blackthorn simple pinnate leaf,
serrated edge |
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Sloes -
bitter to the taste. |
CHERRY PLUM
Flowers two or three weeks
before the blackthorn comes into flower. Flowers before the leaves
appear. Photo: 3rd April 2006. Lambourne End. |
CHERRY PLUM
Prunus
cerasifera
A species
of wild plum found scattered throughout the forest. |
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BLACKTHORN or SLOE
Prunus spinosa
Planted
widely as a hedgerow species, blackthorn is an invasive species which
spreads mainly by root suckers. The name is apt as in the winter the
twigs are black, although appearing purple in sunlight. It is present
throughout the forest, often lining the woodland edges. It affords
protection for rabbits and birdlife. Flowers appear before the leaves
in early spring, and the fruit known as sloes are bitter to taste but
used in recipes after the first frosts. A few scattered bushes in
flower very early in the spring are probably Cherry plum P.
cerasifera which flowers 2-3 weeks before the blackthorn. |
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Blackthorn scrub at the
top end of the Common in January, shows purple in the sunlight |