Blackthorn in the US?

Is there any place here in the US that sells the blackthorn? Any luck growing it here?

Libby

If the blackthorn you are talking about is Prunus spinosa if it's not there already, don't introduce it! It is seen as a terribly invasive weedy species by farmers and landowners here in the UK. It spreads rapidly by suckering and forms impenetrable thickets.

Yes, that the one I talking about. I've fallen in love with those contorted branches on the ones I've seen here. I have a way of wanting trees I can't grow. I want a larch and white bark birch trees, too, but they can't survive down here.

Libby

Kev Bailey wrote:If the blackthorn you are talking about is Prunus spinosa if it's not there already, don't introduce it! It is seen as a terribly invasive weedy species by farmers and landowners here in the UK. It spreads rapidly by suckering and forms impenetrable thickets.

Too late. It is already naturalized in the Northeast, Michigan, Tennessee, Missouri, the Pacific Northwest, & parts of Canada. It may not be in the trade if it is considered invasive, but if you are near any of the above states, it may be available for collecting.
Otherwise, there are numerous equivalent American Prunus species that are used for bonsai, such as black cherry.
Iris

Ah, so you are OK for Sloe Gin if you live in any of those states then.