Myrtle oak (Quercus myrtifolia)

Overview

Quercus myrtifolia, prominently known as myrtle oak, is a highly valued small evergreen oak native to the coastal plains of the Southeastern United States. This robust species offers dense, dark green foliage that persists year-round, making it an excellent choice for structure when deciduous trees drop their leaves. It is recognized for establishing quickly and thriving in challenging, poor soil conditions typical of its native habitat.

The myrtle oak typically matures into a spreading, rounded small tree or large shrub, reaching heights often between 15 to 20 feet with a manageable spread. Its low maintenance needs and significant drought tolerance post-establishment solidify its reputation as a tough yet attractive specimen tree or low screen. Gardeners appreciate Quercus myrtifolia for providing shade and natural form without demanding constant attention or excessive irrigation once settled.

This species belongs to the red oak group and features distinctive shiny, leathery leaves that contrast nicely with its smooth, dark brown bark. Whether used as a focal point or integrated into xeriscaping projects, the resilient nature of the myrtle oak ensures lasting visual interest across USDA Zones 8 through 10.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Fagaceae
• Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
• Native Range: Southeastern United States
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 8-10
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 15-20 ft
  • Spread: 8-10 ft
• Bloom Time: April to May
• Bloom Description: Greenish
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting the myrtle oak is best achieved in spring or fall, allowing the root system time to establish before extreme summer heat or winter cold. Choose a location providing full sun exposure, though partial shade is tolerated. Quercus myrtifolia thrives best in sandy, well-drained soils, mirroring its native environment of dunes and sandhills, but can adapt to moist or dry conditions once established.

Initial watering is crucial until establishment, ensuring the root ball remains consistently moist but never saturated. After the plant is settled, the water needs drop significantly; established plants show good drought tolerance and require only supplemental water during prolonged dry spells. Fertilization is rarely necessary due to its adaptation to nutrient-poor soils, though a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring can boost growth if the location is particularly barren.

Maintenance is generally low for this species. Pruning, if any, should focus on removing crossing or dead branches immediately. Due to its small stature compared to other oaks, major structural pruning is often minimized. In colder extremities of its range (Zone 8), ensure the plant is well-watered going into winter.

Landscape Uses

The sturdy constitution and manageable size of the myrtle oak make it highly adaptable for dry, sunny landscape areas where lawn space is limited or water conservation is a priority. It functions exceptionally well as a small oak accent, providing vertical interest without overwhelming small yards. Use it to anchor corners or frame viewpoints where consistent evergreen coverage is needed throughout the year.

Because of its tolerance for dry soil, the myrtle oak pairs nicely with other native, drought-tolerant Southeastern species such as scrub palmettos, certain yucca varieties, or native grasses that share its love for well-drained sites. Avoid planting it near overly thirsty species that require constant moisture, as this stresses the Quercus myrtifolia.

Consider planting several myrtle oak specimens to create a dense, low screen along property lines, offering excellent boundary definition that remains opaque year-round. The overall structure resists pruning into formal shapes, making it ideal for naturalistic or informal landscape designs that celebrate its spreading, rounded crown.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Insignificant

Noteworthy Characteristics

Quercus myrtifolia, commonly known as myrtle oak, is a small, often shrubby, evergreen oak with a spreading rounded crown and smooth dark brown bark. It is part of the red oak group, typically maturing to 15-20’ tall and 8-10’ wide, though it can occasionally reach 35’ tall. Myrtle oak features shiny, leathery leaves to 2” long which are dark green above, with untoothed margins rolled under, persisting until new growth begins in spring.

Tolerances

• Drought
• Dry Soil

Potential Problems

The myrtle oak exhibits excellent resistance, generally suffering from no serious insect or disease problems when grown in appropriate conditions. However, like all members of the oak family, it remains theoretically susceptible to numerous systemic issues such as oak wilt, shoestring root rot, and anthracnose. Potential insect pests, though usually minor, can include scale insects, oak lace bugs, and various borers; monitoring the leathery foliage closely during the growing season is wise. Proactive care involves ensuring excellent air circulation and avoiding planting near known sources of oak wilt inoculum, which is often introduced via fresh wounds or firewood.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Myrtle oak suitable for?

Quercus myrtifolia is winter hardy across USDA Zones 8 through 10.

How large does Myrtle oak grow?

This plant typically reaches a height of 15 to 20 feet with a spread between 8 and 10 feet at maturity.

What sun exposure does Quercus myrtifolia need?

Myrtle oak performs best when situated in full sun but will tolerate partial shade conditions.

When does Quercus myrtifolia bloom?

The inconspicuous flowers of the myrtle oak appear seasonally from April to May, displaying a greenish hue.

Conclusion

The myrtle oak (Quercus myrtifolia) provides exceptional value to the landscape through its low maintenance demands, evergreen presence, and outstanding drought tolerance, making it a reliable choice for difficult sunny sites. By matching its preference for sandy, well-drained soil, you ensure this resilient species thrives for decades. Check your regional USDA classification to confirm if this durable evergreen addition is appropriate for your garden planning this season.

Companion Planting

When designing plantings around your myrtle oak, focus on species that similarly thrive in dry, sandy conditions and prefer less fertile soil. This promotes ecological harmony and reduces supplementary watering needs for the entire grouping. Consider pairing the evergreen structure of Quercus myrtifolia with drought-tolerant flowering shrubs native to the Southeast, which can utilize the dappled protection offered by the oak’s lower canopy.

Grasses and groundcovers that tolerate lean soil work exceptionally well beneath the spread of the myrtle oak. Species like various types of Muhly grass (Muhlenbergia species) or low-growing native sedges are fantastic choices as they do not compete aggressively for surface moisture or nutrients. Avoid high-demand perennials that require rich, constantly moist loam, as these will struggle near the established, dry-adapted root system of the oak.

Wildlife Benefits

While the flowers of the myrtle oak are ornamentally insignificant, the acorns it produces are a vital food source for local wildlife throughout the Southeastern United States. These small acorns mature over two years and are consumed by various birds and small mammals, playing a small but important role in the local food web. Planting Quercus myrtifolia supports biodiversity in areas where larger, traditional oaks might struggle due to soil variability or limited space.

The dense, evergreen foliage of the myrtle oak also provides valuable year-round cover and roosting sites for birds seeking shelter from weather or predators. Its structure, often forming dense thickets in the wild, offers superior protective habitat, which is a functional benefit often sought by gardeners looking to boost native eco-systems.