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Myrica gale

Sweet Gale

An aromatic, deciduous shrub with greenish-yellow, waxy catkins appearing before the leaves. It is a nitrogen-fixing species that thrives near a water's edge or in a bog.

  • »  AKA Myrica palustris
  • »  Upright, oval habit
  • »  Waxy yellow catkins appear before the leaves
  • »  Fragrant, blue-green to dark green foliage
  • »  Nitrogen-fixing species
  • »  Grows well at water's edge or in bogs
  • »  Bloom Time: May

1gal
$23.56
2gal
$39.00
  • Category:Shrubs
  • Hardiness Zone:1
  • Height:100-125 cm
  • Spread:80-100 cm
  • Bloom Color: Yellow
Exposure
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade
Attracts Wildlife
Attracts Birds
Growth Rate
Medium
Attributes
Native to Ontario
Deciduous
Fragrant
Flowering Time
Early Spring
Habit
Clumping
Oval
Upright
Foliage Color
Green
Landscape uses
Bog or water garden
Naturalizing
Planting instructions
Container Plants
Additional Information about Myrica gale

Native to Ontario and the rest of Canada.

The aromatic fruits are used fresh or dried to flavour soups, stews and sometimes put in beer to improve flavour and increase foaming. The dried leaves make a delicate tea. Wax from the fruit's pulp is used in candle making and a fragrant essential oil can be extracted from the fruit. The bark can be used to dye wool. 

Growing & Maintenance Tips for Myrica gale

Grows best in a moist soil and suckers freely, making it an excellent choice for re-naturalization. Plant in sun or partial shade.