Grey Thorn.

Grey Thorn Exhibit, Desert Foothills Scenic Drive, 1995

This is a spiny-branched shrub with grey bark that can reach 10 feet in height.   It is a member of the Buckthorn Family.

It blooms May through September.  It has whitish green, tiny flowers in a stalked cluster.  These are followed by round to elliptical fruits, to 1/4″ long maturing to a blue-black color.

The fruits are eaten by birds., especially white-winged doves and Gambel’s quail.  Native Americans use parts of the plant for medicinal purposes.  In addition, a solution made from its roots can be used as a soap substitute.

We’ve had some “fun” with the spelling of this plant’s name.  The original plant identification signs from 1963 spell the name “Grey Thorn”.   Many of the today’s books spell it “Gray Thorn” or Graythorn”.    According to Webster’s, “Grey” is the English spelling of “Gray”. We’re sticking with the old signs.