Sweetgale

Myrica gale (Myricaceae) is a deciduous shrub native to boreal and subarctic regions across the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. It grows 3 to 6 feet tall, forming a suckering, multi-stemmed thicket. The narrow, gray-green leaves (2 to 6 cm) are highly aromatic. Small greenish-yellow waxy catkins appear before the leaves. The species is dioecious.

Sweetgale inhabits bogs, marshes, and fens on acidic, wet soils. It grows in part shade and spreads slowly by suckering. Like other Myricaceae, it fixes atmospheric nitrogen. The sweet, resinous scent of the foliage has traditional uses as an insect repellent and in perfumery. All parts are considered an abortifacient and should be avoided by pregnant individuals. Hardy in Zones 2a to 8b.