Hardiness
Zone 2
Discover the plant
Sweetgale
FamilyMyricaceae
Myrica gale, commonly known as sweet gale or bog myrtle, is a deciduous native shrub with a bushy, slightly spreading habit, particularly well-suited to moist soils and riparian environments. Its grayish-green foliage, aromatic when crushed, emits a distinctive resinous fragrance that contributes to its sensory appeal. In spring, it produces inconspicuous reddish-brown catkins before the full emergence of its leaves, adding fine texture to the natural landscape. Very hardy and tolerant of waterlogged soils, Myrica gale is ideal for rain gardens, banks, and ecological landscaping. It prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in acidic, organic, and consistently cool soils. An excellent choice for stabilizing wetlands, it attracts wildlife and contributes to local biodiversity.
Soil and care
The rightconditions.
Fertilization
Not necessary in organic soil
Bloom and dimensions
The completeprofile.
Bloom periodSpring
Flower colorReddish-brown catkins
Foliage colorGrayish green
Foliage typeObsolete
FruitingAromatic grayish waxy berries
Maximum height1 to 1.2 m (39 to 48 inches)
Maximum width1.5 m (5 ft)
Growth rateaverage
Hardiness zoneZone 2
Minimum temperature'-40°C
