Aldara Hazelnut vs Sweet Gale - TreeTime.ca

Aldara Hazelnut vs Sweet Gale

Myrica gale

Corylus heterophylla Het 3

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Sweet Gale
Aldara Hazelnut

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.

Aldara Hazelnut is a northern hybrid selection noted for its superior nut quality, disease resistance, and cold hardiness.

It is great for attracting wildlife with the added bonus of edible nuts that can be eaten fresh or used in baking. Pair with another Aldara or Andrew Hazelnut for cross pollination to occur.

Aldara and Andrew Hazelnut are currently the hardiest and most reliable nut varieties available for the Canadian prairies.

Note: You want more than one hazelnut to improve yields.

Sweet Gale Quick Facts

Aldara Hazelnut Quick Facts

Zone: 1b
Zone: 4a
Height: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Height: 2.7 m (9 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Growth form: upright, thicket-forming
Spreading: suckering - medium, seeds - low
Suckering: low
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: dotted with yellow glands, sweet scented
Fall colour: yellow
Bark: reddish-purple, dotted with yellow glands
Nuts: medium, 1.5cm diameter
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: yes
Catkins: yes
Catkins: yes


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: bog myrtle, meadow-fern, sweet bayberry, sweetgale