Side by side
Blackthorn or buckthorn? How to tell them apart
Prunus spinosa · Rhamnus cathartica
How to tell them apart – blackthorn: alternate leaves, white blossom on bare twigs and blue sloes; buckthorn: shrub with almost opposite side shoots that end in a thorn, finely toothed leaves with curved veins and black berries.
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How do you recognise them?
- Blackthorn
- Thorny shrub with black branches, white blossom in March before the leaves and blue sloes.
- Compared with buckthorn: alternate leaves, white blossom on bare twigs and blue sloes.
- Buckthorn
- Shrub with almost opposite side shoots that end in a thorn, finely toothed leaves with curved veins and black berries.
| Blackthorn | Buckthorn | |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves | Alternate, small (2–4 cm), oval and finely toothed. | Almost opposite, often in clusters on short side shoots, 3–7 cm, oval, finely toothed, with 3–4 pairs of curved veins running towards the tip. |
| Flowering | Small white flowers, massed on the bare branches in March–April (March–April). | Small, greenish-yellow, four-petalled flowers in clusters, in May–June; male and female on separate shrubs (May–June). |
| Fruit | Blue sloes with a waxy bloom; astringent, better after frost (sloe gin). | Round, black berries (6–8 mm) crowded along the twigs, in September–October; poisonous and strongly laxative. |
| Bark | Dark, almost black, with sharp, thorny side shoots. | Dark greyish-brown to blackish and glossy, later flaking; many short side shoots end in a thorn. |
| Shape and height | Shrub, 1–4 m | Shrub, 2–6 m |
| Site | Full sun, any garden soil, dry to wet | Sun or partial shade, any garden soil, dry to wet |
| Native to Belgium | Yes | Yes |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees, butterflies and birds | – |
| Poisonous to people and pets | Not known to be poisonous | Yes, take care with children and pets |
| Pruning months | June–August and November–February | November–March |
What does it mean for your garden?
- Buckthorn is poisonous to people and pets: take care with children and animals.
- Both are native and good for wildlife: choose what suits your soil, your light and the space you have.
Read on
- Plant profile: Blackthorn
- Plant profile: Buckthorn
- Blackthorn: when and how to prune
- Buckthorn: when and how to prune
- Identification key
Also looks like
Identify by feature
This comparison is compiled from the Bladwijzer species pages.