This week has seen the blackthorn blossoming! It’s a lovely sign of spring. The blackthorn has flowers before leaves, unlike the hawthorn which has leaves, then flowers much later – look for it in April nowadays (not in May, its other name).
Our blackthorns don’t produce many fruit – sloes. They seem to do better down south. But our damsons are sweeter and less astringent and can be added to brandy for a lovely winter drink.
Be careful handllng blackthorn -the thorns have a reputation for making very painful wounds.
