About

Purple Sloe

Prunus spinosa ‘Purpurea,’ commonly known as Purple-leaved Blackthorn or Sloe, is a deciduous shrub that is prized for its striking dark purple foliage. This cultivar of the blackthorn typically grows to a height of 6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters).
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The Appearance

A small deciduous shrub with a spreading habit and dark green, oval leaves. It produces small, purple-black fruits known as sloes.


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The Produce

While its fruit, sloes, are quite bitter and are not typically eaten fresh, they are often used in the production of sloe gin and preserves.


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The Flowers

Produces clusters of small, white flowers in spring, followed by the purple-black sloes in autumn.


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The Leaves

They are arranged alternately along the branches, forming a dense and bushy appearance.


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The Bark

The bark is dark brown and smooth, becoming more fissured with age.


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The Habitat

Prefers well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. Commonly found in hedgerows and along woodland edges.


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The Ecology

Provides habitat and food for various wildlife, including birds and insects. The flowers attract pollinators and the fruits are eaten by birds.


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The Culture

Valued for its fruits, which are used to make sloe gin and preserves. Also popular in traditional hedgerows.


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Fun Facts

The sloe, or blackthorn, is known for its tart, astringent fruits that are often used to flavor spirits like gin.


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