Sweet Gale
Deciduous shrub growing 1-2 m tall. Features aromatic, leathery leaves and inconspicuous catkins in early spring. Prefers wet, acidic soils and full sun to partial shade. Nitrogen-fixing roots improve soil. Tolerates flooding and salt spray. Important for wetland ecosystems. Suitable for bog gardens, wetland restorations, and shoreline plantings. Native to northern regions of North America, Europe, and Asia.
Plant Details
Bloom Colour: Yellow-Green
Bloom Time: Early-Spring
Sun Requirements: Sun to Part-Shade
Moisture: Moist to Wet
Phenology: Leaves emerge May. Catkins appear before leaves in early spring. Fruits develop summer, persisting through winter. Aromatic leaves drop late fall.
Wildlife Value: Seeds eaten by waterfowl and songbirds; provides cover for wetland birds; browse for moose and deer
Habit Over Time: Forms a low, spreading shrub that gradually expands through root suckers. New stems emerge regularly from the ground, creating a loose thicket that becomes denser over time. While it can spread considerably in optimal conditions, the process is slow and manageable. The aromatic foliage provides good textural interest throughout the growing season.
Height: Medium (2-4 feet)