lots of things don't grow where i live, but i have found that those who settled the place (german colonists) brought all sorts of goodies with them - check the local history books and sites for info on the original settlers in your srea, then look around the original settlements for stuff gone wild - also there are many versions (sub-species) that may grow in your area that have more or less the same or close properties
blackthorn alternatives:
what we in america call "hedge" is close, but is not fit for human consumption, also wild plum (blue)
sloe gin is made from the berries of the blackthorn - southern comfort does not count, as it doesn't contain sloe berries (blackthorn)
--------------------
|