sweet gale

noun

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

sweet gale

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sweet gale¹

First recorded in 1630–40

Word History and Origins

Origin of sweet gale¹

C17: see gale ²

Example Sentences

Pepper grass had to grow the way it grew; you couldn't expect it to be sweet gale, nor yet garden blooms.

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

The beautifully fragrant Sweet Gale must not be passed without mention.

From Project Gutenberg

This shrub is nearly allied to our native Myrica or Sweet Gale.

From Project Gutenberg