Description
An extremely aromatic native shrub that is 2-4′ tall and loosely branching with bluish green leaves and tawny stems. When crushed the leaves emit a spicy clean fragrance and the twigs/buds can be used in the home to freshen and scent linens and clothing. Traditionally, sweet gale grows around wetland margins and in boggy areas but it will do well anywhere with proper watering or moist soils. Sweet gale is also known as bog myrtle and has been in cultivation since 1750 – it was even used with other bitter aromatics to flavor beer before the widespread use of hops.
Landscaping: Full sun can tolerate moist conditions.
Zone 1
PDF: USDA Plant Description of Sweet Gale
Photo Credits: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, CC BY-SA 4.0, Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, CC BY-SA 4.0, Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0
