Sheffield's Seed Company

New Arrivals Catalog Login / Create Account

Gift Card

FILTERS

In Stock

Root

Home / Root

1 / 6

AdobeStock

2 / 6

AdobeStock

3 / 6

AdobeStock

4 / 6

bobhunter2

5 / 6

Tracey Slotta, USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

6 / 6

Stephen James McWilliam

❮ ❯

Growing Info

Scarification: Soak in water, let stand in water for 24 hours

Stratification: warm stratify for 30 days, cold stratify for 120 days

Germination: sow 1" deep, tamp the soil, mulch the seed bed

Other: some germination may be delayed until the following year

Native to: Albania, Algeria, Austria, Baleares, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Central European Rus, Corse, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, East Aegean Is., East European Russia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Krym, Lebanon-Syria, Morocco, Netherlands, North Caucasus, Northwest European R, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sardegna, Sicilia, South European Russi, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkey-in-Europe, Ukraine, Yugoslavia

Introduced to: British Columbia, Connecticut, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Oregon, Tasmania, Washington

Native

Introduced

Prunus spinosaPrunus spinosa

Blackthorn, Sloe

Join Suppliers We cannot import this seed due to Plum Pox Virus. We only know of 1 USA source, and they seem to produce little amounts of seed. Please email purchasing@sheffields.com if you know of a reliable USA source.

Prunus spinosa

Quantity

Please select the quantity desired, and we will advise availability and price as soon as possible.

Details

Min. hardiness zone:

Characteristics

No Export to These Countries

Australia, Canada, South Africa

Growing Info

Scarification: Soak in water, let stand in water for 24 hours

Stratification: warm stratify for 30 days, cold stratify for 120 days

Germination: sow 1" deep, tamp the soil, mulch the seed bed

Other: some germination may be delayed until the following year

Introduced to: British Columbia, Connecticut, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Oregon, Tasmania, Washington

Native

Introduced

Discover the captivating allure of the Prunus spinosa, commonly known as Blackthorn or Sloe, a remarkable shrub beloved for its early spring clouds of snow-white blooms and rich, dark fruits. This spiny, densely branched perennial can reach heights of 10-15 ft and live up to a century, offering both visual beauty and ecological benefits. Adorned with slightly wrinkled, oval leaves and white, five-petaled blossoms, Blackthorn heralds the spring before producing its signature blue-black fruits. Native to Europe and western Asia, this plant thrives in moist, well-drained soils under full sunlight, making it a versatile choice for various landscapes across New Zealand and North America. Blackthorn's spiny branches provide excellent protection for young saplings, earning it the role of a "nurse" plant, while its dense structure serves as an ideal nesting site for birds. Historically treasured for the creation of sloe gin, these fruits also lend themselves to delightful jellies and preserves. Embrace the timeless appeal of Blackthorn, a plant that seamlessly marries beauty, utility, and ecological significance.