Blackthorn, Sloe - (Draighean) Grown as a Tree A well known native tree, the strong white flowers appear before the leaves and it is a great herald of Spring in our hedgerows across the country. The timber from blackthorn is dense, burns exceptionally well and with little smoke, it is also used to make shillelagh sticks & In folklore, blackthorn is favoured by witches for making staffs or wands. Blackthorn produces purple sloes that can are used in preserves and to flavour Gin. Birds love the fruits and the dense cover this great native tree provides. Wind and coastal hardy. Will grow nearly anywhere. Grown as a Hedge A traditional country hedgerow plant that makes a robust, stock proof thorny hedge that is very attractive to wildlife. A blackthorn hedge is vigorous and will sucker and must be cut to keep it in bounds. Site: Tolerates coastal exposureSoil: Any well-drained soil, not fussyPosition: Full sun or partial shadeSeason of Interest: Blossom in Spring, sloes in AutumnHardiness: HardyHeight: 20ft (6m) Spread: 12ft (4m)Hedging Spacings: Up to 6 plants per metre in a staggered line for a stock proof hedge