Plants

Bog Myrtle

Bog Myrtle (Myrica gale)

Bog Myrtle is a woody shrub of up to 1.5m, which grows in nutrient poor soils of raised and blanket bogs. Its presence is indicative of moving ground water. In May it becomes covered in golden catkins before the grey-green leaves appear. The leaves have a fragrant, pine-like scent, which is released from the numerous glands covering their surface. Some believe that the scent from the leaves is a deterrent to midges and other biting insects. It can be found throughout most of Northern Ireland.

Click here to view a distribution map of the Bog Myrtle in Northern Ireland.