Prunus spinosa insect-pollinated. The fruit, called a "sloe", is a drupe in diameter, black with a purple-blue waxy bloom, ripening in autumn and harvested – traditionally, at least in the UK – in October or November after the first frosts. Sloes are thin-fleshed, with a very strongly astringent flavour when fresh. "Prunus spinosa" is frequently confused with the related "P. cerasifera" (cherry plum), particularly in early spring when the latter starts flowering somewhat earlier than "P. spinosa". They can be distinguished by flower colour, creamy white in "P. spinosa", pure white in "P. cerasifera". They can also be distinguished in winter by
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