The bark is black(ish) and it has thorns - so we have Blackthorn. It is sometimes planted in gardens as a deterrent due to it's thorns, but more often it is planted for it's pretty flowers and fruit. It's not very common in Exeter from what I've seen. More often it's found as a shrub or two hidden amongst other plants such as Common Hazel. There is a single Blackthorn shrub next to Homebase in Exeter amongst the other shrubs. I've also found some at the RSPB Bowling Green Marsh nature reserve and a green space near Haccombe Close play area. It is certainly easier to find in the late summer when the fruit is is showing.
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A single Blackthorn shrub hidden amongst some Willows and Elder near Homebase in Exeter, UK.
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Close up of Blackthorn leaves
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Ouch! Watch out for the thorns. As you can see they are quite long
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Close up of the thorns
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The fruit ares small and round and typically dark blue
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The fruit is usually in clusters of three or more. Each fruit is usually around 1.5cm across
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