Myrica gale - Sweetgale

DESCRIPTION

This dense, rounded shrub features narrow, fragrant green leaves whorled on stems that create great cover for native birds. Sweetgale thrives in wet soil conditions where few others can, while creating an attractive mass planting. Fall fruit is attractive to native birds.

BENEFITS

• Provides food and cover to Yellow-rumped Warblers
• Great cover and nesting for native birds
• Helps bring nitrogen to poor soil areas
• Easy to grow and thrives in wet conditions
• Tolerates brackish and saltmarsh conditions
• Foliage fragrant when crushed

NATIVE INFO

Native Range

Moist areas

Map Credit: The Biota of North America 
Map Key: Green (native), Teal (native, adventive), Blue (present), Yellow (present & rare), Red (extinct)

Interesting Facts

Campers frequently hang bunches of Sweetgale foliage in tents to repel insects. Its sweetly scented foliage has been or is currently used in perfumes, to flavor food and drinks, as a dye or to create sweetly scented candles.

GROWING TIPS

Prefers marshlands, bogs, wet sites along the borders of small lakes, pond, and streams.

Mature Size: 4-6ft. Tall x 4-6ft. Wide

Hardiness Zone: 2-6

Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade

VIDEO