Prunus spinosa Britain, and in Germany and other central European countries. Sloes can also be made into jam, chutney, and used in fruit pies. Sloes preserved in vinegar are similar in taste to Japanese "umeboshi". The juice of the fruits dyes linen a reddish colour that washes out to a durable pale blue. Blackthorn makes an excellent fire wood that burns slowly with a good heat and little smoke. The wood takes a fine polish and is used for tool handles and canes. Straight blackthorn stems have traditionally been made into walking sticks or clubs (known in Ireland as a shillelagh). In
Prunus brigantina Prunus brigantina Prunus brigantina, called Briançon apricot, marmot plum, and alpine apricot, is a wild tree species native to France and Italy. It is the only apricot-like "Prunus" species native to Europe. The fruit is similar to the commercial apricot "Prunus armeniaca", and is edible. An edible oil produced from the seed, 'huile des marmottes', is used in France. Unlike the other closely related species known as apricots, the fruit is smooth rather than hairy. "Prunus brigantina" is considered a member of the apricot group, along with "P. armeniaca", "P. mandshurica", "P. mume", and "P. sibirica", but its genetic relationships