Sweet Gale Myrica gale
ABOUT
Myrica gale, also known as sweet gale, is a deciduous shrub that boasts a rich tapestry of olfactory delights and visual charm. The plant is adorned with narrow, oblong leaves that are a lustrous green with a slightly paler underside. Edges of the leaves are gently serrated, giving them a fine-toothed appearance, and when crushed, the foliage emits a pleasingly aromatic fragrance of spices and resinous scents. In the blooming season, sweet gale produces small, catkin-like flowers which contribute to the plant's visual appeal. These flowers can vary between subtle shades of yellow to a richer, more noticeable green-yellow hue and are separated by gender, with male and female flowers often found on different plants. As the seasons turn, post-flowering, the female sweet gale may bear fruit that takes the form of tiny, rounded nuts, clustered together in a manner reminiscent of a miniature conifer cone. These are initially a greenish color, but they mature to a deeper brown as they harden and become ripe. The overall impression of sweet gale is that of a plant rich in sensory delights, with its aromatic leaves, attractive flowers, and ornamental fruit adding to the natural beauty of the landscapes it inhabits.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Myricaceae.
Synonyms
Bog Myrtle, Sweet Gale, Dutch Myrtle, Bayberry.
Common names
Gale palustris, Myrica bracteata, Myrica gale var. tomentosa, Myrica gale var. tomentula, Myricaria germanica.
ToxicityTo humans
Bog myrtle (Myrica gale) is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There is limited information on its toxicity after ingestion, and it has been traditionally used in various cultures for medicinal purposes and as a flavoring agent. However, consuming any plant in excessive amounts can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or other adverse effects, so moderation is advised. Always consult a healthcare provider or a poison control center if ingestion and negative symptoms occur.
To pets
Bog myrtle (Myrica gale) is not widely known to be toxic to pets. There is scarce data indicating that it poses a significant risk upon ingestion. However, as with any non-food plant, excessive consumption may result in gastrointestinal upset in pets. If you suspect your pet has ingested bog myrtle and is showing signs of distress, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Spread
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
2-6
Native area
Europe North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Culinary Use: Myrica gale, commonly known as sweetgale, has leaves and buds that are used for flavoring beer and spirits traditionally in some cultures.
- Fragrance: The leaves and catkins of sweetgale can be used to impart a pleasant aroma in potpourris and sachets.
- Dyeing: Sweetgale has been used in the past for dyeing wool, where it imparts a yellow or green hue depending on the mordant used.
- Insect Repellent: The essential oils of sweetgale are known to be effective insect repellents, particularly for midges and mosquitoes.
- Craft Material: Sweetgale branches and twigs can be used in basketry and other crafts for their flexibility and strength.
- Environmental Indicator: Sweetgale often indicates acidic and boggy soil conditions, thus helping in ecological assessments and land management.
- Wildlife Habitat: The plant provides habitat and food for various animals, including birds that feed on its seeds and insects that use it as a host plant.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Myrica gale may possess components that help reduce inflammation.
- Antimicrobial: It could have the capability to combat certain bacteria and fungi.
- Astringent: The plant has been used traditionally to tone and tighten tissues.
- Diuretic: At times it has been used to promote the increased passing of urine.
- Febrifuge: Myrica gale has a history of being used to reduce fever.
- Carminative: It may help to relieve flatulence or intestinal gas symptoms.
- Expectorant: There is historical use of this plant for aiding in the expulsion of phlegm from the respiratory tract.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: Myrica gale leaves and bark have historically been used to produce a yellow-green dye for textiles.
- In leather tanning: The tannins present in Myrica gale assist in the tanning process of leather, providing an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic tanning agents.
- As a flavoring agent: The aromatic properties of Myrica gale have been used to flavor beer, especially in medieval brewing traditions.
- In perfumery: Essential oils derived from Myrica gale are occasionally used in perfumery for their sweet, spicy, and resinous scent.
- Candle making: The waxy berries of the plant can be used to make fragrant candles with a pleasant scent when burned.
- Insect repellent: Myrica gale contains certain compounds that are unappealing to insects, making it a potential natural insect repellent.
- As a potpourri ingredient: Dried Myrica gale leaves and flowers can be added to potpourri mixes for their fragrance and preservation qualities.
- In landscaping: Myrica gale, due to its attractive foliage and resilience, is sometimes used in wetland landscaping to stabilize soil and provide year-round greenery.
- Fish preservation: Historically, leaves of Myrica gale were used to preserve fish, likely due to their antibacterial properties and strong scent.
- As an animal bedding material: The leaves, when dried, can serve as a bedding material for small domestic animals due to their soft texture and pleasant smell.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiSweet Gale is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilitySweet Gale is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Myrica gale, commonly known as Bog Myrtle, has been believed to possess protective qualities. Historically, it was used to ward off evil and pests due to its strong aromatic scent.
- Purification: Bog Myrtle has been used in traditional rituals for purification, clearing away negative energies and promoting a clean, sacred environment.
- Peace: The plant’s calming scent is thought to encourage tranquility and inner peace, making it symbolic of harmony.
- Love and Fertility: Due to its lush growth in challenging environments, Bog Myrtle is often associated with love’s perseverance and the fertility of the earth.
WaterThe Sweet Gale should be watered approximately once a week, but it may require more frequent watering during hot, dry spells. Generally, aim to provide the plant with about 1-2 gallons of water per week, depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions. It's important to ensure the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged, as Sweet Gale enjoys wet conditions. Water the plant at the base, avoiding wetting the leaves to minimize the risk of fungal diseases. During winter, reduce watering, but do not let the soil dry out completely.
LightSweet Gale thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. The ideal spot for this plant would be an area that receives direct sunlight for at least part of the day; however, it can also tolerate some shade. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this can result in less vigorous growth and fewer flowers.
TemperatureSweet Gale prefers temperate climates with temperatures ranging between 50°F and 75°F. It can tolerate cold down to about -20°F, making it capable of surviving in hardiness zones 2-6. Ideal growing conditions are in areas where temperatures do not swing to extremes, as prolonged heat above 80°F or sudden deep freezes can be harmful to the plant.
PruningPruning Sweet Gale is beneficial for maintaining its shape and encouraging healthy growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches and thin out overgrown areas to allow light and air to reach inner parts of the plant. Pruning can be done annually or as needed to control the plant's size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet Gale requires acidic, moist soil with good drainage. A mix of peat, sand, and loamy soil in equal parts can create the ideal conditions, with a pH range of 4.5 to 6.5 being optimal for this plant.
RepottingSweet Gale typically does not require frequent repotting. It can be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its pot, which is less often than many other plants.
Humidity & MistingSweet Gale thrives in high humidity environments, making it suitable for areas with natural moisture like wetlands.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure high humidity and bright, indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant in wet areas with acidic soil and full sun.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleMyrica gale, commonly known as sweetgale, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in wet, peaty soils typically found in its preferred boggy and coastal habitats. After germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a juvenile plant, characterized by its small stature and the development of leaves that are fragrant when crushed. As the plant matures, it evolves into a shrub with a well-developed root system and exhibits sexual dimorphism, with separate male and female plants producing catkin-like flowers. Pollination occurs primarily through wind, after which female plants produce small, greenish to brown fruits called drupes that are covered in waxy coatings. These fruits eventually release seeds that fall to the ground and can be dispersed by water or animals, completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout its life, sweetgale is a perennial that can regrow each year from the same root system, withstanding various environmental stresses in its wetland ecosystem.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Myrica gale, commonly known as sweet gale, is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in late summer. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long and stripped of leaves on the lower half. They are then dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth and planted in a mixture of peat and perlite. The cuttings should be kept moist and in indirect light until roots develop, which usually takes a few weeks. Once rooted, they can be transplanted outdoors to a location that has wet acidic soil and full to partial sun.