Myrica gale is a deciduous shrub growing to 1–2 metres (3+1⁄2–6+1⁄2 feet) tall. The leaves are spirally arranged, simple, 2–5 centimetres (3⁄4–2 inches) long, oblanceolate with a tapered base and broader tip, and a crinkled or finely toothed margin. The flowers are catkins, with male and female catkins on separate plants (dioecious). The fruit is a small drupe.