Very interesting, kat. Blackthorn is, of course, poisonous when it's in blossom, and is known to blind people who cut their eye when the sap is running - most probably why it's considered unlucky to bring the blossom indoors.

So there are cuttings around the world? Now all I need to do is to find someone who got one from Mr Chislett.

Thank you very much for posting this.