Myrica gale aka Bog Myrtle

Myrica gale is a deciduous shrub called sweetgale or bog myrtle. It belongs to the Myricaceae family. Its native range spans northern North America, western and northern Europe, and northeast Asia. It grows wild in Britain and Ireland. In Oregon, it occurs near the coast and west of the Cascades. Its habitats include bogs, marshes, fens, and wet heathland. Most wild sites have acid soil, though some fens contain lime.

This bushy shrub has upright branches and a rounded shape. Garden plants reach about 3–6 feet [0.9–1.8 metres] tall. RHS gives a smaller range of 3–5 feet [1–1.5 metres]. Its stated garden spread is 3–5 feet [1–1.5 metres]. It sends up suckers and spreads slowly. Young bark is reddish brown, with pale lenticels. Older bark turns grayish brown. Slender, dark brown twigs carry small, pointed buds. The leaves grow alternately and narrow toward their bases. Teeth line the leaf tips, and pale resin dots mark both surfaces. The undersides are paler than the tops. The foliage has a strong, sweet scent.

Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Small flowers form short catkins in yellow, green, or brown tones. Chicago lists bloom in March and April. RHS places flowering in spring; Virginia Tech reports early summer. Small, pointed nutlets follow in tight, cone-like groups. They change from greenish yellow to brown and bear resin dots. Virginia Tech reports that fruit ripens in midsummer. Oregon State notes that fruit can remain through winter.

Grow sweetgale in sun or partial shade, with moist, humus-rich soil. It tolerates waterlogged ground and suits a bog garden. Acid soil suits it well, though RHS also lists neutral and alkaline soil. RHS lists clay and loam as suitable soil types. Chicago gives USDA zones 2–6, while RHS rates it H7. It fits coastal, wildlife, and informal gardens, including banks and slopes. RHS reports few pest or disease problems. Plants can take 10–20 years to reach full size.

Leaves and fruits have served as seasonings and beer flavourings. Dried leaves have also been used for tea. These uses do not mean the plant is harmless. PFAF warns that leaf oil is poisonous and may cause abortion. Pregnant people should not consume it. Other recorded uses include dyes and scented candle wax. Wax yields are too small for commercial production.