treeN. America Native

Myrtle Oak

Quercus myrtifolia

The Story

Plant Bio

Quercus myrtifolia, the myrtle oak, is a slow-growing evergreen oak native to the sandy coastal plains of the southeastern United States. It forms a dense, multi-stemmed large shrub or small tree with crooked branches and a rounded, spreading crown that frequently spreads into thickets.

The small, leathery leaves are glossy dark green above and dull yellow-green below, featuring distinctly rolled-under margins and a subtle bronze tint on new spring growth. Inconspicuous greenish-yellow catkins appear in spring, followed by small acorns that provide critical forage for local wildlife.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure with its dense, glossy evergreen foliage and picturesque, crooked branching habit.

Excellent for stabilizing shifting sandy soils on dunes and dry ridges due to its tough, deep root system.

Serves as a critical food source and nesting habitat, producing acorns that sustain local birds and small mammals.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

236"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with loose, fast-draining sandy soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the root flare sits slightly above the surrounding soil grade.
Backfill with the native sandy soil without adding organic amendments or fertilizers, which can discourage deep rooting.
Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil, then water sparingly only until the root system is established.

Pro Tip

Plant in exceptionally well-drained, sandy soil and avoid any sites prone to standing water, as waterlogged roots will quickly prove fatal to this drought-adapted species.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in poor, sandy, sharply drained soils to mimic its native dune habitat.
Prune selectively during winter dormancy to remove dead wood or shape the canopy.
Protect young plants from severe winter winds in the colder limits of its range.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly drained soils where water collects.
Do not overwater or apply heavy nitrogen fertilizers, which promote weak, disease-prone growth.
Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood as recovery is extremely slow.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Coastal GardenWindbreakHedgeSpecimen TreeErosion Control

Companion Plants

Quercus virginiana Serenoa repensCeratiola ericoides Pinus clausa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Myrtle Oak questions

What zones can Myrtle Oak grow in?

Myrtle Oak is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Myrtle Oak bloom?

Myrtle Oak typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Myrtle Oak need full sun?

Myrtle Oak does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Myrtle Oak drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Myrtle Oak handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.