Prunus spinosa is a large deciduous shrub or small tree growing to 5 metres (16 feet) tall, with blackish bark and dense, stiff, spiny branches. The leaves are oval, 2–4.5 centimetres (3⁄4–1+3⁄4 inches) long and 1.2–2 cm (1⁄2–3⁄4 … See more

The foliage is sometimes eaten by the larvae of Lepidoptera, including the small eggar moth, emperor moth, willow beauty, white-pinion spotted, common emerald, November moth See more

In Middle English, slō has been used to denote something of trifling value.
The expression "sloe-eyed" for a person with dark eyes comes from the fruit, and is first attested in See more

The specific name spinosa is a Latin term indicating the pointed and thornlike spur shoots characteristic of this species. The common name " See more

The species is native to Europe, western Asia, and locally in northwest Africa. It is also locally naturalized in Tasmania and eastern North America. See more

The shrub, with its long, sharp thorns, is traditionally used in Britain and other parts of northern Europe to make a cattle-proof hedge.
The fruit is similar to … See more

• Media related to Prunus spinosa at Wikimedia Commons
• "Prunus spinosa". Plants for a Future.
• "Sloe recipes". Cookipedia. See more