The easiest way to identify these common plants in the field is to know that Blackthorn (above left) flowers appear before its leaves, unlike Hawthorn (above right). Blackthorn also flowers much earlier, typically in March to May, whilst Hawthorn waits until May to June.Click to see full answer. Then, what does a blackthorn bush look like?Blackthorn is named after its dark bark. The twigs are black with leaf buds along the sharp spines. Take care when identifying this tree as its spiky thorns can cause a nasty reaction if you get scratched. Hawthorn’s lighter bark is creamy brown in colour and rougher, with knots and fissures.Also Know, do sloes grow on blackthorn? Sowing and planting: Sloes are the fruits of the blackthorn – a hardy bush that thrives on poor soil and is often found growing in Britain’s hedgerows (being the first common shrub to flower each year, it’s easy to identify). They make excellent windbreaks and don’t mind exposed sites. Also to know, where are blackthorn bushes found? Blackthorn grows in hedges, on rocks and in woodland. As a shrub it grows up to 3m in height. It thrives in full sun and grows in all kinds of soil, although it prefers a soil rich in lime. The only soil it doesn’t like is very acid – like peat, where it will not grow.Are blackthorn thorns poisonous?Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) is not poisonous but probably twice as dangerous. It is considered to be bad luck to bring the blossom indoors, mainly, I think, because the crown of thorns was reputed to be made from blackthorn.
