sweet gale

American  

noun

1. an aromatic shrub, Myrica gale, of marshes, having lance-shaped leaves and yellowish fruit.

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sweet gale British  

noun

1. Often shortened to: gale.  Also called: bog myrtle.  a shrub, Myrica gale, of northern swamp regions, having yellow catkin-like flowers and aromatic leaves: family Myricaceae

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Etymology

Origin of sweet gale

First recorded in 1630–40

Example Sentences

The sweet gale, Myrica Gale, and the sage, Salvia officinalis, were also similarly employed.

From Project Gutenberg

The popular name of a plant, also known as the sweet gale or gaul, sweet willow, bog or Dutch myrtle.

From Project Gutenberg

Footnote 7: Ale brewed of the herb called sweet gale, or Dutch myrtle, instead of hops.--Tr.

From Project Gutenberg

It is a shrub much like our sweet gale in Europe, and its leaves are very odorous, and, even when dried, retain their fragrance. 

From Project Gutenberg

Like the tall mountain fir, she’s as steady, I trow, When zephyr-like winds do sighingly blow; The grove or the grotto when mild breezes move, Are gentle Rebecca’s sweet gales of love.

From Project Gutenberg