18th March 2026

Cherry Plum and Blackthorn: Perhaps the most noticeable thing in the hedgerows during February and March is the white blossom. It's a welcome sight after the dark and dreary days of winter. The blossom is likely to belong to either Cherry Plum or Blackthorn. They look similar.

This is Cherry Plum and it flowers before Blackthorn often in February. However, both can be in flower together, usually in March. Blackthorn as its name suggests has thorns whereas Cherry Plum doesn't.

These are Cherry Plum flowers. Notice the sepals, the green, tinged with red bits underneath the petals. These are reflexed, turned backwards. Also young leaves have started to appear.

These are Blackthorn flowers. The sepals are greener and straight, so not turned back on themselves. Also, there are no young leaves appearing yet.