Common Name: |
Bog Myrtle |
Other Names: |
Sweet Gale |
Botanical Name: |
Myrica gale |
Genus: |
Myrica |
Family: |
Myricaceae |
Native Location: |
Europe, Asia, and N America |
Cultivation: |
Well-drained to wet, acid, sandy soil in sun or partial shade. Myrica gale prefers permanently wet conditions. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown when ripe; by layering in spring; by suckers (M. gale); by semi-ripe cuttings in summer. |
Harvest: |
Whole plants or leaves are collected during the growing season; bark and root bark in late autumn or early spring. All parts are dried for decoctions, infusions, liquid extracts, and powders. Fruits are gathered when ripe for wax extraction. |
Height: |
1.5m (5ft) |
Width: |
1.5m (5ft) |
Hardiness: |
Z1-6 |
Parts Used: |
Whole plant, leaves, fruits |
Properties: |
A bitter, astringent, antiseptic herb with a resinous, bay-like aroma. |
Culinary Uses: |
Leaves are infused for tea; both leaves and berries are added to soups, stews and meat dishes. Traditionally used in Yorkshire, England, as a substitute for hops to flavor ale, known as gale beer. |
Economic Uses: |
Wax is used to make aromatic candles. |
Bibliography: |
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp 182-183 |