in taxon stone fruit plant sloe plant PLANTS:PRSP Prunus spinosa (blackthorn, or sloe) is a species of flowering plant in the rose family Rosaceae. It is native to Europe, western Asia, and locally in northwest Africa. It is also locally naturalised in New Zealand and eastern North America. The fruit is similar to a small damson or plum, suitable for preserves, but rather tart and astringent for eating, unless it is picked after the first few days of autumn frost. The juice is used in the manufacture of fake port wine, and used as an adulterant to impart roughness to genuine port. In rural Britain a liqueur is made by infusing gin with sloes and sugar. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prunus_spinosa] blackthorn blackthorn prunus spinosa Prunus spinosa requires discussion