Bog Myrtle, Sweetgale

Myrica gale

Physical Characteristics

Myrica gale is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 1. It is in flower from March to May, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile. It can fix Nitrogen. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

Western Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia to Portugal, east to N.W. Russia. N. America.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Condiment Tea The aromatic fruits and leaves are used either fresh or dried to flavour soups, stews etc[2, 4, 62, 100, 183]. They are sometimes put in beer and ale to improve the flavour and increase foaming[183]. The fruit is about 3mm in diameter with a single large seed[200]. The dried leaves make a delicate and palatable tea[4, 62, 172, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Abortifacient Antipruritic Aromatic Astringent Emmenagogue Parasiticide Stomachic The leaves are abortifacient, aromatic, astringent, emmenagogue and stomachic[4, 46, 172, 238]. The leaves are normally used as a tea, but they do contain a poisonous aromatic oil, so some caution is advised in their use[4].

Known Hazards

This plant is an abortifacient and so should not be eaten by pregnant women[4, 172].