Prunus spinosa of the fruit caused by the fungus "Taphrina pruni" produces an elongated and flattened gall, devoid of a stone. The shrub, with its savage thorns, is traditionally used in Britain and other parts of northern Europe to make a "cattle-proof" hedge. The fruit is similar to a small damson or plum, suitable for preserves, but rather and for eating, unless it is picked after the first few days of autumn frost. This effect can be reproduced by freezing harvested sloes. The juice is used in the manufacture of fake port wine, and used as an to impart roughness to genuine
Prunus pensylvanica Prunus pensylvanica Prunus pensylvanica, also known as bird cherry, fire cherry, pin cherry, and red cherry, is a North American cherry species in the genus "Prunus". "Prunus pensylvanica", grows as a shrub or small tree, usually with a straight trunk and a narrow, round-topped crown. It grows tall and in diameter. Trees up to tall have been found growing in the southern Appalachians, with the largest found on the western slopes of the Great Smoky Mountains. Its foliage is thin, with leaves long and wide. Flowers occur in small groupings of five to seven with individual flowers across. The fruit