Myrica gale is a species of flowering plant in the family Myricaceae, native to parts of Japan, North Korea, Russia, mainland Europe, the British Isles, and parts of northern North America, Canada, and the United States. Common names include bog-myrtle, sweet willow, Dutch myrtle, and sweet gale. Myrica gale is a deciduous shrub growing to 1–2 meters tall. The leaves are spirally arranged, simple, 2–5 centimeters long, oblanceolate with a tapered base and broader tip, and a crinkled or finely toothed margin. The flowers are catkins, with male and female catkins on separate plants (dioecious). The fruit is a small drupe.
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Hardiness | 3,4,5,6 |
| Heat Zones | 3,4,5,6,7,8 |
| Climate Zones | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Dicotyledon |
| Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest | Spring, Summer, Early Spring, Mid Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer |
| Height | 5' - 6' |
| Spread | 3' - 4' |
| Water Needs | Average, High |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Acid |
| Characteristics | Fragrant, Attracts Butterflies |
| Garden Styles | Coastal Garden |
| Planting Place | Banks and Slopes, Bog Gardens |