A native, deciduous plant with new shoots finely downy becoming smooth by winter, purple in sun or green in shade. Masses of snow white flowers appear in March before the leaves, and these are followed by sloes which turn from purple to black in autumn.
Any soil, but will thrive on quite poor soil.
TO HEDGE Trim as necessary. For hedges 3-10ft (0.9-3m). Plant 18ins (45cm) apart.