Bog Myrtle
Myrica gale
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Pl. 18EB — Myrica gale
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IOverview
Overview
Bog Myrtle (Myrica gale) is a shrub native to the moist and wet habitats of northern Europe, Alaska, Canada, and some parts of Asia. Known for its edible berries, this plant thrives in light sandy, medium, or heavy clay soils with a pH between 5 and 7.8. It grows up to 2 meters tall and is commonly found in areas where the soil remains moist throughout the year. The plant's fruit is edible, making it a valuable resource for those familiar with its use. Bog Myrtle is also appreciated for its ornamental value, adding a unique presence to gardens and natural landscapes due to its light and airy form.
Quick answers
What is Bog Myrtle?
Bog Myrtle (Myrica gale) is a shrub native to the moist and wet habitats of northern Europe, Alaska, Canada, and some parts of Asia. Known for its edible berries, this plant thrives in light sandy, medium, or heavy clay soils with a pH between 5 and 7.
What is Bog Myrtle used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Bog Myrtle
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Bog Myrtle has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine to support digestive health, often prepared as a tea or decoction. It is believed to aid digestion and relieve discomfort.
The mechanism by which Bog Myrtle supports digestion is not fully characterised but may involve compounds that interact with the gastrointestinal system to alleviate symptoms such as bloating and indigestion.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Bog Myrtle support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bog Myrtle thrives in moist to wet conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 5 to 7.8. It is hardy in zones 2-9 and grows as a shrub up to 2 meters tall. This plant requires full sun to partial shade and should be planted in areas that can provide the necessary moisture. For propagation, Bog Myrtle can be grown from seeds or cuttings. The edible parts are its fruits, making it useful for culinary applications while also thriving in various temperate regions.
Light
6/10
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
2-9
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
2.0 m tall
Soil pH
5–7.8
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Bog Myrtle for the first time
8steps
Start with Bog Myrtle as a simple shrub to grow, focusing on basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
A small Bog Myrtle plant or seeds, potting soil, and a container.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 5 and 7.8, ensuring good drainage.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants into your garden or pot them up in containers.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during this critical period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light shade, especially when young. Water as needed and mulch around the base for moisture retention.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, and not providing enough light are common issues beginners face.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Condiment, Tea
Other uses:DyeEssential OilPest controlTanninWaxNitrogen fixerFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe9 regions
native (9)BelgiumDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyIrelandNetherlandsRussiaUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
native (1)Japan
Broader regions
native:Wisconsin, Alberta, Baltic States, British Columbia, Connecticut, Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Kuril Is., Labrador, Magadan, Maine, Manitoba, Michigan, Minnesota, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
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