Quercus myrtifolia (Myrtle 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, 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 which are a valuable source of food for small mammals and birds. This small, often shrubby, evergreen oak has a tendency to form thickets which 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 and 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.
• No serious pest or disease issue. Oaks in general are susceptible to oak wilt, chestnut blight, shoestring root rot, anthracnose, oak leaf blister, cankers, leaf spots, 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).