blackthorn
1 synonym for blackthorn, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A blackthorn is a large thorny shrub or small tree, Prunus spinosa, with dark bark, native to Europe, western Asia and north Africa.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use blackthorn
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
blackthorn hedge
blackthorn blossom
blackthorn thicket
a blackthorn stick
It is an everyday word used in gardening, countryside and nature writing.
Etymology
The word is a straightforward compound of black and thorn, describing the plant's dark bark and its sharp thorns.
Full origin of blackthorn →Frequently asked questions
Is blackthorn the same as sloe?
Sloe usually refers to the fruit or is used as another name for the blackthorn tree itself.
Where does blackthorn grow?
It grows natively across Europe, western Asia and north Africa, often in hedgerows and scrubland.
Why is blackthorn used for walking sticks?
Its tough, knotted wood makes a strong and durable stick, which is why sticks cut from it are also called blackthorns.
