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Quercus myrtifolia (Myrtle Oak)

Myrtle Oak

Quercus myrtifolia, Myrtle Oak, Evergreen Oak, Native Evergreen Tree, Native Florida Tree, Native Florida Oak
Quercus myrtifolia, Myrtle Oak, Evergreen Oak, Native Evergreen Tree, Native Florida Tree, Native Florida Oak

Quercus myrtifolia (Myrtle Oak) is an erect, evergreen shrub or small tree adorned with a short, straight trunk and a spreading rounded crown. The leathery, untoothed, oval to nearly rounded leaves, 2 in. long (5 cm), are shiny dark green on top and dull to yellowish green beneath. Their margins are often rolled under. The trunk and branches are covered with gray and smooth bark, becoming dark brown and furrowed with age. Inconspicuous green flowers appear in spring. They are followed by small ovoid to globular acorns, a valuable food source for small mammals and birds. This small, often shrubby, evergreen oak tends to form thickets that may persist for many years. Native to dry sandy soils of dunes, sandhills, dry ridges, and hammocks, Myrtle Oak is excellent for dune stabilization. Tolerant of drought, salt air, sandy soils, and poor growing conditions, it makes a nice accent in dry, sunny landscapes.

  • Grows up to 15-20 ft. tall (450-600 cm) and 8-10 ft. wide (240-300 cm).
  • A full sun lover, this tree is easily grown in slightly acidic, dry to medium, sandy, well-drained soils. Tolerates some part shade. Drought tolerant once established, it is moderately tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray.
  • Oaks, in general, are susceptible to oak wilt, chestnut blight, shoestring root rot, anthracnose, oak leaf blister, canker, leaf spot, powdery mildew, scale, oak skeletonizer, leaf miner, galls, oak lace bugs, borers, caterpillars and nut weevils.
  • Propagated by seed.
  • Toxic to horses.
  • Native to the southeastern United States (Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina).

Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 10
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Fagaceae
Genus Quercus
Common names Oak
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 15' - 20'
(4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread 8' - 10'
(240cm - 3m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Georgia
Tolerance Drought, Salt, Dry Soil
Attracts Birds
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Quercus douglasii (Blue Oak)
Quercus chrysolepis (Canyon Live Oak)
Quercus velutina (Black Oak)
Quercus laurifolia (Laurel Oak)
Quercus phellos (Willow Oak)
Quercus hemisphaerica (Darlington Oak)

Recommended Companion Plants

Lyonia ferruginea (Rusty Staggerbush)
Asimina triloba (Pawpaw)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Roots of Life: Exploring the Diverse World of Trees
Green Canopy, Better World: Exploring the Benefits of Trees
Trees that Invite Wildlife to Your Garden
Spectacular Trees for Vibrant Fall Colors: A Gardener’s Guide
Quercus (Oak) – Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For
Grow Your Own Oak Tree: A Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Acorns
8 Compelling Reasons Why You Should Plant an Oak Tree
Native Oak Trees: A Must-Have for Your Landscape
Native Plant Alternatives to Quercus acutissima (Sawtooth Oak)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 10
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Fagaceae
Genus Quercus
Common names Oak
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 15' - 20'
(4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread 8' - 10'
(240cm - 3m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Georgia
Tolerance Drought, Salt, Dry Soil
Attracts Birds
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Quercus (Oak)
Not sure which Quercus (Oak) to pick?
Compare Now

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