The thicket of Blackthorn is a common feature of the Irish hedgerow, it’s dark spiny branches giving rise to the name. During Spring it’s almost white with contrasting flowers which appear in clusters along its branches. The fruit known as sloes appear in Autumn and are used to flavour Gin or Poitín. The dense wood of the branches is used to make the well-known shillelagh. In folklore, the shrub is associated with Cailleach, the goddess of winter. Portrayed as an old hag, she was often associated with witches. Witches wands are also thought to have been made from Blackthorn twigs.

One of a series of botanical illustrations inspired by Ireland's beautiful native hedgerows by Sally Caulwell. Other prints in the series include; Gorse, Blackberry, Snowdrop, Burnett Rose & Wild Garlic. The above information on the blackthorn was attained from Niall Mac Coitir's wonderful book Irish Wild Plants. 

Dimensions: A4 (210 x 297mm) or A3 (297 x 420mm) print on 340gsm uncoated paper. Print inset with white border. The A4 print suits this handmade frame by Rocker Lane Workshop perfectly