Sweet Gale

A spreading shrub about 2 to 4 feet tall found along shorelines in many places. Leaves alternate, elongated, tapering at the stalk end with marginal teeth near the rounded tip and 4 to 7 inches long. Flowers are small, white and borne on spike-like clusters (female and male flowers on separate plants). Seeds nut-like and cone-shaped in tight clusters.

(Photographed at Eagle Lake - August 2009)