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Blossom ID

kevmichaelkevmichael Posts: 5
in Plants
Hi everyone,

I recently moved home and have a larger garden than before and have managed to ID the majority of the things in it.

But today something caught my eye round the side of my house that I hadn't noticed before this blossom appeared. The pictures don't do it justice but it looks stunning, like a white firework!

I have been searching the net trying to find out what it could be, but I can't see anything that matches the pointed shape of the flowers that are blooming directly against the branches with no leaves etc.

I wondered if anyone might be able to point me in the right direction please? Pics below (sorry for the sideways pics, I've never been very successful at getting pics to display properly on these forums 🤦🏻‍♂️) 

Many thanks in advance. 

Kevin
(noob but v. keen gardener!)


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Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,798
    edited February 2021
    Looks like Blackthorn to me ... the UK native Prunus spinosa that we get the sloe fruits from to make sloe gin. 

    Not usually a garden plant ... they’re prone to suckering and are very spiny ... they’re  usually found in rural hedgerows.

     Perhaps yours has been ‘sown’ by the wild birds ? 

    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • rachelQrtJHBjbrachelQrtJHBjb Posts: 819
    My first thought was blackthorn, Prunus spinosa, as I think I can see thorns. But, the flowers aren't quite right as the petals in your image are slightly more pointed than blackthorn.

    I still think it's in the Prunus family - I also checked cherry plum - just not quite sure which member it is. 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,798
    Here in East Anglia we frequently see the results of cross-pollination between various prunus ... often blackthorn x Cherry plum or bullace ... both very early to blossom ... maybe that’s what we have here?  As children we called some of the resulting fruit that were similar in colour to sloes but larger and slightly sweeter, Blackjacks. A bit like damsons but rounder and not as sweet. 
    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,248
     This  is mystery Prunus flower. edited pic.

    I didn't think it fitted Prunus  spinosa...common name black thorn...see  my pics below
    Bark is not black enough. Couldn't see any sign of thorns.

    I wondered about Prunus cerasifera.... cherry plum...which can flower earlier than black thorn.

    So did a bit of research.
    The clue lies in the calyx.
    On looking at a close up of the calyx on mystery flower it would seem to check out as Prunus spinosa.
    See details on these link.

    https://www.treeguideuk.co.uk/blackthorn-flowers/

    https://earthstar.blog/2018/04/10/cherry-plum-or-blackthorn/

    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • rachelQrtJHBjbrachelQrtJHBjb Posts: 819
    @Silver surfer I learn something every time you and @Dovefromabove post.
  • kevmichaelkevmichael Posts: 5
    That is amazing!! Thank you so much! I love it when a little gem just pops up like this! Thanks for such detailed replies 😊
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,798
    Our pleasure 😊 
    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • rachelQrtJHBjbrachelQrtJHBjb Posts: 819
    kevmichael said:
    That is amazing!! Thank you so much! I love it when a little gem just pops up like this! Thanks for such detailed replies 😊
    They do sucker, so watch it as it will run through your border.
  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,248
    kevmichael and  rachelQrtJHBjb     Thank you...always nice to be appreciated!
    I love learning new facts... trying to remember them is the 2nd step.
    Cannot wait to find some cherry plum in flower so I can take my own  detailed pics. 
    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • steephillsteephill Posts: 2,644
    Some Prunus cerasifera Nigra blossom for comparison.







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