Blackthorn

Etymology
Prunus spinosa derives from Latin: spinosa meaning “thorny” and pruina meaning “frost.” The French name "épine noire" (blackthorn) refers to its very dark bark and its many long thorns, known for easily infecting wounds if handled carelessly.

Habitat and Distribution
Blackthorn is an ancient species native to North Africa, Western Asia (as far as Siberia), Western and Southern Europe, and the Near East. It thrives in open, low-altitude environments with clay-limestone or rocky soils. It is easy to recognize and is widespread in Switzerland and France, except in high mountains. It grows at forest edges, in hedgerows and meadows, often forming dense thickets, but it dislikes competition from other shrubs.

Ecological Value
Blackthorn is one of the first shrubs to bloom in spring. As early as March, vast hedges and wastelands are filled with white flowers. Like cherries and almonds (also in the Prunus genus), its flowers appear before the leaves. The Prunus genus belongs to the Rosaceae family. The flowers bloom in April and attract many insects, especially bees. The leaves are a food source for butterfly caterpillars, including the endangered small emperor moth. Birds such as red-backed shrikes and yellowhammers prefer to build nests in blackthorn thickets. The shrub is a true feast for wildlife.

Culinary and Medicinal Value
Sloes have an astringent, tart flavor with a hint of sweetness. They become palatable after the first frosts, which soften the fruit and reduce its bitterness. Sloes are great for making jellies, syrups, or for lacto-fermenting. They are also used in gin, sloe wine, and liqueurs. The leaves, young shoots, and flowers have an almond-like flavor, valued in sloe wine. The flowers can also be used in desserts.
Blackthorn has very hard reddish-brown wood once valued for marquetry.
Medicinally, the entire plant is used. Flowers are harvested as buds and used fresh or dried in infusions. They are gently laxative – suitable even for children – as well as diuretic, detoxifying for skin diseases and rheumatism, and metabolism-boosting. The fruits can be used as a tonic after illness or flu (in compotes, syrups) and also have a laxative effect. Their astringent quality helps in case of bleeding or inflammation in the mouth and throat: diluted juice, compote, or flower infusions are recommended as a gargle.

Recipe for fermented wild sloe pickles
https://cueilleurs-sauvages.ch/blog/pickles-de-prunelles-sauvages-fermentees/

Source :

https://cueilleurs-sauvages.ch/blog/prunelles-les-recolter-et-les-cuisiner/

https://www.walaarzneimittel.ch/fr/lexique-des-plantes-medicinales-a-z/prunelle.html

https://plantes-sauvages-comestibles.com/le-prunellier-ou-lepine-noire/