Bog-myrtle

Myrica gale

SIZE AND DESCRIPTION

Deciduous shrub to 1m tall. Leaves are oval and toothed at the tips. Red female and orange male catkins, borne at the tips of shiny reddish shoots on separate plants, appear before the leaves. Fruits are small waxy berries. Also called Sweet Gale.

DISTRIBUTION

Locally common in boggy areas on moors and heaths in western Europe.

USES

In Yorkshire, leaves were used for flavouring beer (gale beer) before hops became popular. Leaves and berries can be dried and used for flavouring soups and stews.