Sweet Gale (Myrica gale)

Sweet gale is an upright, bushy shrub that is well known for its sweet, resinous scent. It does well in wet soils and full sun, and is a valuable plant for wetland restoration; it provides food and habitat for wildlife, stabilizes shorelines, and fixes nitrogen into nutrient-poor soils. Its attractive and aromatic blue-green foliage make it a lovely addition to the garden, provided it receives ample moisture. Flowers appear as catkins in spring, with male and female catkins usually on separate plants. Both the fruits and leaves have a long history of being used as a spice for cooking, and flavouring beverages before the use of hops became widespread.

Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil & Moisture: Moist to wet, acidic soil
Mature Size: 2'-7' tall
Bloom Time: Spring
Edible: Yes
Wildlife Value: Butterfly and moth host plant. Fruits are eaten by birds. Browsed by beavers. Provides cover and habitat for birds, waterfowl, amphibians, and spawning fish.
Native Range & Habitat: Bogs, wetlands, lakeshores, and streambanks from low to middle elevations. Widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere.
Other Names: Bog myrtle