#silver berry

ROUND ONE

Hello there.

If you live in the US, then there are multiple trees that would be both efficacious and accessible as alternatives to the Sloe Tree.

For instance, any form of local Hawthorn could work. While it is less known for its connections to things like baleful magic, Hawthorn can still provide an excellent aid in Craft work, ranging from defensive to malefic.

The American Plum is a good alterative too. It is an extremely close relative to the Blackthorn tree, which could, in fact, be labeled as a type of plum itself. As such, the wood of American Plum is covered with fine thorn specimens that can be utilized in much the same way.

The Honey Locust is an extremely thorny tree, and it works wonderfully in offensive magic. It seems to readily lend itself to acts of maelifcia, in particular.

The Black Locust is another good option. In fact, aside from thorny Plum varieties, I would probably say that it posses the closest feel to Blackthorn of any other tree I've worked with.

The thorns of the Osage Orange are another suitable alternative to sloe thorns, though, in my experience, they are best suited to binding and defense.

The Oleaster tree (also kown as the Russian Olive,) is the last one I will mention here. While not native to the region, it is quite invasive and present throughout, and what's more, its thorns work extremely well in magics that call for them. I've used them to great effect in hexing, protecting, and banishing alike.

Elaeagnus angustifolia

Elaeagnus translates into marsh plant (and is similar to the Greek word of olive), while angustifolia means narrow leaf.

Family: Elaeagnaceae (Oleaster Family)

Fun Fact:  “The fruit must be fully ripe before it can be enjoyed raw, if even slightly under-ripe it will be quite astringent.” (PFAF)

Wicked Witch of the East Bookmark, made by Silver Berry.