Shillelagh (club) Shillelagh (club) A shillelagh ( or ; , "thonged willow") or blackthorn stick is a wooden walking stick and club or cudgel, typically made from a stout knotty stick with a large knob at the top. It is associated with Ireland and Irish folklore. Shillelaghs are traditionally made from blackthorn (sloe) wood ("Prunus spinosa") or oak. Wood from the root was prized as it was less prone to crack or break during use. The wood would be smeared with butter or lard, and placed up a chimney to cure, giving the shillelagh its typical black shiny appearance. Another method was
Prunus subhirtella Prunus subhirtella Prunus subhirtella ("Prunus" × "subhirtella") or Prunus pendula sometimes also called winter-flowering cherry, spring cherry, Higan cherry, or rosebud cherry is a small deciduous flowering tree originating in Japan, but unknown in the wild. It is probably of hybrid origin between "Prunus incisa" and "Prunus spachiana". "Prunus subhirtella" bears white to pink flowers which may emerge intermittently from autumn through to spring, and small black fruit. Several garden forms are known. The variety 'Jugatsu-zakura' (incorrectly known as "Prunus" × "subhirtella" 'Autumnalis') is widely grown for its propensity to flower during mild winter weather. The flowers can be used