Hello I just found this site while searching for info regarding a tree in my garden. Thought to be 'Blackthorn' Will try to describe About 4m tall Long slender branches Small white flowers before leaves Oval leaves [about 5cm[ serrated edges Spines/spikes about 3 / 5cm long Currently has a plum / cherry like with soft fleshy fruit size about 2cm with small stone. [On lower third of tree] I am seeking answers to the following What is likely name What is fruit Is it edible Regards Brianzero
Welcome Brianzero. Prunus spinosa, common name Blackthorn does have large thorns. However, the fruits known as sloes in Brtitain, are black, very small and hard, bitter and horrid to eat. Not normally picked till after the first frost and used to make Sloe gin. Blackthorn is not normally a tree, but is found as a straggy hedge row shrub. See pic 5 in 1st link for the thorns. http://www.plant-identification.co.uk/skye/rosaceae/prunus-spinosa.htm http://www.sloe.biz/sloes/index.htm http://www.google.co.uk/images?um=1...sloes&btnG=Search&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai= A pic would really help. What colour are the fruits? Prunus domestica. The wild plum tree does have thorns. http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/...-trees/tree-factsheets/p-to-r/plum/index.html
Hi Silver Surfer Thanks for response Just taken pics [Not sure how this site works as yet] The pics seem to be in a box below this one Hope this OK Yellow fruit A few have fallen A few are rotting in situ Just seen post - seems to work Brianzero
Yep: Prunus cerasifera. As mentioned, blackthorn is quite different, kind of like a deciduous version of a firethorn (Pyracantha) in aspect. With different fruits, of course.
I hesitate to push the thread off-topic, and know what you meant by your statement Fen (especially after learning what the plant is), but I do feel obliged to say that stating something looks safe to eat should be preceded by researching and confirming edibility.
Hi all replies - thanks... Safe to eat ? Make wine ? That was my next question ! Not sure how edibility research is done ! Except by 'looking on' while someone else takes the risk If birds take a bite - would they be OK ? Regards
Prunus cerasifera. Common name Cherry plum. http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgu...&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:16,s:0&biw=1243&bih=528 Yes, edible! Quote from wiki...." Some varieties have sweet fruits that can be eaten fresh, while others are sour and better for making jam." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry_plum On British forums this has cropped up several times this year. There seems to be a bumper crop this year. People are wondering what it is, and have never even noticed the cherry plum fruits before. There is also a puple leaf form. Prunus cerasifera nigra, with red fruit. http://www.google.co.uk/images?hl=e...=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&biw=1243&bih=528 http://www.gardenworldimages.com/De...censes=1,2&sort=REL&cdonly=False&mronly=False
The Plants for a Future database is typically a good place to start with such research. Here is the entry for Prunus cerasifera In answer to the question re: birds -- no. What birds can or cannot eat is different than humans (and cats, dogs, sheep, cows). "Looking on" while someone else (human) takes a bite is actually quite a good policy!
Hi Daniel You say 'Prunus cerasifera' I read Edibilty rating of 4 [out of ?] With just a touch of cyanide !! Any volunteers ? Thanks everybody - think I have got all I need for now Regards Brian
The cyanide is in the stone, which you don't eat ;-) I've eaten plenty of Cherry Plum fruit over the years, and am still around . . .