Blackthorn Blossom - Prunus spinosa

On dark winter hedges the blackthorn blossom lightens whole lengths of roadside and around field boundaries. It proves the hedgerow is alive and makes you wonder how such ferociously spiny, whip hard branches suddenly sprout such a delicate veil? At a distance, even snow against rock does not look so white. Along the A66 there are a 100 yards or so where blackthorn alternates with dogwood stems, red as the darkest of raspberries, and the first lime green puffs of May buds breaking. It's like driving between banks of an enormous dessert - raspberries and cream topped with sprinkles of angelica. Spring is luscious.