Skybound Cedar vs Sweet Gale

The Skybound Cedar is a newer variety that is usually hardier than the Brandon Cedar and richer in color. The dark green, scale-like foliage maintain their needles and color throughout the winter.

Cedars enjoy average to moist soil conditions and should not be allowed to dry out. It's small size, spread and columnar shape make the Skybound Cedar an excellent accent tree or border hedge that can be expected to live up to 50 years under ideal conditions.

Sweet Gale is a native, nitrogen-fixing shrub known for its aromatic foliage. Tiny glands on the leaves release a balmy, bay leaf-like scent with floral and citrus notes. In spring, the yellowish male catkins provide one of the earliest sources of pollen for bees and other insects. While later in the season, the female catkins produce seeds that are eaten by waterfowl. Sweet Gale is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers occur on separate plants.

Sweet Gale thrives in wet, acidic soils and is commonly found along wetlands and lakeshores. It can help stabilize shorelines, while its dense growth provides valuable cover for wildlife. It is well-suited for naturalization, wetland restoration, and erosion control projects.

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