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The sloe, also known as blackthorn or blackthorn, is one of the first flowering native shrubs. But this beautifully flowering shrub has a lot more to offer. But is there a risk of confusion with the sloe? With us you are on the safe side.
In a nutshell
- Sloes are the actual primal plums, the primal form of the European plum
- dark bark and thorns gave the blackthorn its name
- changes its appearance with the seasons
- important wild shrub for insects and butterflies
There is no risk of confusion
There is no risk of confusion, especially with poisonous plants, with the sloe (Prunus spinosa). Similar plants are mainly other rose plants such as the hawthorn. But unmistakable differences, for example in the fruits, the flowers or the flowering time, can help to assign them to a specific species, i.e. the sloe. The blackthorn blossoms before the leaves sprout and the hawthorn only afterwards. The clearest difference is in the berries. Hawthorn's are small red to orange apple fruits, while sloe's are almost black and much larger. A risk of confusion with the sloe is therefore almost impossible.
The hawthorn can be clearly distinguished from the blackthorn by its red berries.
Unique features
The sloe can be recognized without a doubt by a few distinctive marks. With this knowledge, there is no longer any risk of confusion with the sloe.
growth
- Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) grows as a shrub or small, mostly multi-stemmed tree
- it is deciduous, dense and sparsely branched
- reaches growth heights of up to 400 cm
- can live up to 40 years
- the numerous short shoots are typical of this woody plant
- they protrude from main branches at an almost 90 degree angle
- Twigs are rounded to angular
- small short shoots have no terminal bud
- instead a sharp thorn about two centimeters long
In contrast to the wild varieties, the cultivated varieties have significantly fewer thorns. The bark of the sloe has an exceptionally dark, almost black colour, which was incidentally used in the past to make ink.
leaves
The three to six centimeters long and up to two centimeters wide leaves are on short stems. They are slightly hairy, arranged alternately and predominantly in tufts and spirals, and are lanceolate in shape. The upper side of the leaf is dull dark green and hairless, the underside initially has fluffy hairs, later becomes bare and medium green. In the bud stage, the leaves are curled. The leaf margin is slightly serrated.
blossoms
In spring from March/April to May, before the leaves sprout, the blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) shows its full splendor when the countless pure white flowers cover the shrub. They are one and a half to two centimeters tall, star-shaped and exude a very pleasant almond-like scent. The fivefold flowers sit individually or in pairs on the thorny short shoots. The triangular to oval sepals are finely and irregularly serrated on the edge. The entire petals are not fused together. They surround the stamens with yellow or reddish anthers.
Tip: The flowers of sloe are very suitable for the preparation of teas and infusions.
fruit
- after flowering, so-called drupes develop
- short-stalked, spherical and about the size of a hazelnut
- initially they are green
- become darker and darker as they mature
- when fully ripe in September/October dark blue to blackish
- Sloes contain relatively large seeds
- comparatively little pulp
- Fruits basically edible
- but only really edible after the first frost
- can also be eaten raw
- or process into liqueurs and jams
Blackthorn, Prunus spinosa
Tip: If you don't want to wait until the first frost for wild varieties, you can also put the ripe fruits in the freezer for a short time.
Don't overdose
Both the fruit and almost all other parts of the sloe are non-toxic and generally edible. Only the seeds should not be eaten, they contain the hydrocyanic acid glycoside amygdalin. This is converted into hydrogen cyanide in the body. Since the content is classified as low, the seeds can be used without hesitation for the production of liqueurs. Here, as so often, the quantity makes the poison. Hydrocyanic acid is also contained in the blossoms, but is neutralized when heated. Nevertheless, one should not overdose on tea made from flowers, for example. The content in the fruit is also rather low. This is usually not a problem for adults, but caution is advised with children.
Tip: The content of amygdalin is higher in apricot kernels and bitter almonds than in blackthorn fruits.
frequently asked Questions
Where do sloes grow?The blackthorn prefers to grow in full sun to semi-shade and sheltered places, for example on the edges of forests and paths. This applies to wild species as well as to cultivated varieties. When growing in the garden, you should pay attention to a slightly calcareous soil and avoid waterlogged subsoil.
Why do the fruits need frost?As already mentioned, only the wild varieties need frost to break down the bitter substances they contain and make them edible. As long as they haven't gotten a frost, they taste tart, sour and leave a furry, dry feeling in the mouth and on the tongue.
What makes large-fruited cultivars so attractive?On the one hand, the plants have fewer thorns and, on the other hand, they do not form any runners. They can be harvested and processed earlier without having to wait for the frost. In addition, the fruits are significantly larger and juicier than those of the wild varieties. The varieties 'Reto', 'Godenhaus' and 'Nittel' are particularly recommended. The so-called sloe (Prunus domestica insititia) forms particularly large and tasty fruits.