Blackthorn (Sloe)

Appearance: vertically growing shrub forming thickets, 1-3 m tall and wide, thorny, spreading branches, slow-growing.

Flowers: before the leaves appear, the whole shrub is covered with a cloud of small white flowers, with a pleasant faint fragrance.

Fruits: black, bluish-blue, cherry-sized, edible after frosts, with a sharp sour taste.

Leaves: small, broadly lanceolate or elliptic, dark green, in autumn – pale yellow.

Root system: superficial, dense, produces suckers within a radius of 10 m, sensitive to waterlogging.

Requirements: sun/partial shade, tolerates high temperatures, winter-hardy, wind-tolerant, suitable for urban conditions.

Soils: from dry to moist, on any slightly fertile substrates.

Hardiness zone: 5a