Advice
RHS Help & Advice
Hedgerow fruit
Often containing a wonderful mix of fruiting plants, hedgerows can benefit humans, birds and mammals alike.
Crab apples
Malus sylvestris is the UK’s native crab apple, making a tree up to 9m. The fruits are small and sour to the taste but do make excellent jelly to accompany meats, or can be pickled in spiced vinegar.
Elderberry
Sambucus nigra is a vigorous plant, often standing out above the rest of a hedge. The white flowerheads of early summer turn into deep purple, juicy berries and are only edible if cooked; good for winemaking or added to apple pies or blackberry jam.
Sloe
Prunus spinosa or blackthorn is a common native hedging plant producing small, dark, sour, plum-like fruits known as sloes. A popular use is for flavouring gin. Pick after the first frosts (or freeze before use), prick the skins then soak the whole fruits for several months with added sugar in gin, vodka or white rum.
Rosehips
Several different roses can be found in native hedgerows. Their fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C when made into jam or syrup.