Blackthorn

Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), a straggling shrub, common in hedgerows, with spinous branches. It is "precocious," producing its small white flowers on its blackish branches before the appearance of the leaves. Its wood is hard and tough, taking a fine polish, and is used for walking-sticks, and, in Ireland, for shillelaghs. The leaves were formerly used to adulterate tea. The small, round, harsh fruit, which is a plum in miniature, with a bloom on its surface, is known as a sloe, and is used in rustic distillery.