Prunus spinosa Prunus spinosa

Rosaceae

Prunus spinosa Prunus spinosa

The Prunus spinosa, also known as the Blackthorn, is a medium-sized tree that can reach a height of 4-6 meters. The crown of the tree has a round to spherical and semi-open character. The bark and branches are brown in color, while the leaves are green. In the month of March, the Prunus spinosa blooms with beautiful white flowers. This tree produces edible fruits, which are blue to black in color. An interesting feature of the Prunus spinosa is that it has thorns or spines. In general, the tree is not toxic to humans, pets, and livestock. In terms of soil type, the Blackthorn is quite flexible and thrives well in clay soil, loamy soil, sandy soil, and calcareous soil. However, the tree does not tolerate hardening. The winter hardiness of this tree is 5a (-28.8 to -26.1 °C), which means it is quite winter hardy. The wind resistance is reasonable, and it is resistant to frost (WH 1 to 6). The Prunus spinosa is a valuable tree for butterflies and thus contributes to the local fauna. The tree can be used in tree containers and is available as both a high trunk and a multi-trunk tree.
Specifications
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Height
4-6 m
Width
4-6m
Crown
round/spherical, half-open crown
Bark and branches
brown
Leaf
green
Flowers
white, flowers in March
Fruits
edible fruits, blue, black
Spines/thorns
Yes
Toxicity
usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type
clayed soil, loamy soil, sandy soil, calcareous soil
Paving
tolerates no paving
Winter hardiness zone
5a (-28,8 to -26,1 °C)
Wind resistance
fairly
Other resistances
resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6)
Fauna tree
valuable for butterflies
Application
tree containers
Shape
clearstem tree, multi-stem treem
Clear stem tree Multi-stem tree calcareous soil clay soil loamy soil sandy soil tolerates no paving resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6) 3rd size, smaller than 6 metres half-open crown green white March average growing Conspicuous bloom valuable for butterflies non-toxic (usually) Edible fruits yes
Frequently asked questions
Prunus spinosa

Prunus spinosa can eventually reach a height of 4-6 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Prunus spinosa is average growing and can eventually reach a height of 4-6 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The right time to plant Prunus spinosa is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Prunus spinosa with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.

Prunus spinosa blooms in march.
General