Myrica gale (Sweetgale)

Myrica gale ‘Sweetgale’

Bring fragrance and resilience to challenging garden spaces with Sweetgale, a dense, rounded native shrub valued for both its texture and ecological benefits. Narrow, aromatic green leaves are arranged in whorls along the stems, releasing a pleasant scent when crushed. Its naturally compact form creates a full, layered appearance in the landscape.

Highly adaptable, Sweetgale thrives in wet, boggy, and even brackish soils where many shrubs cannot survive. It is especially useful for naturalized plantings, rain gardens, and shoreline or wetland edges. In addition to its durability, it provides valuable habitat and cover for native birds, while its fall fruit is an important seasonal food source for species such as Yellow-rumped Warblers.

Over time, Sweetgale can also help improve poor soils through natural nitrogen contribution, making it a functional and ecological addition to restoration-style plantings.

Plant Details:
Height: 4–6 ft
Spread: 4–6 ft
Light: Full sun to part sun
Zones: 2–8

Features:
• Fragrant foliage when brushed or crushed
• Excellent for wet, boggy, and salt-tolerant sites
• Supports birds with food and protective cover
• Useful in naturalized landscapes and restoration plantings
• Dense, rounded habit with strong site adaptability