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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
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  • Category:Shrubs
  • Hardiness Zone:1
  • Height:100-125 cm
  • Spread:80-100 cm
  • Bloom Color: Yellow
Exposure
• Full Sun
• Partial Sun/Shade
Soil Moisture
• Wetland (Root submerged)
• Moist to Wet Soils
• Moist to Average
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.