Myrtle Oak

The Myrtle Oak often grows as a shrub, but can also take the form of a tree. In maturity it grows to 15–20 feet (4.6–6.1 m) tall and 8–10 feet (2.4–3.0 m) wide. It is considered a red oak. The leaves are simple alternate. They appear dark green with a yellow-green underside. The leaves have a leathery texture, and an obovate shape. There are small hairs on the underside of the leaves. The acorns are about 1⁄2 inch (13 mm) long, and mature in 18 months. Small green flowers bloom in April–May. It has a grey smooth stem that furrows in maturity. Twigs can be reddish brown when they are younger. A commonly associated oak of Q. myrtifolia is Quercus geminata. However, the leaf of Q. geminata is a narrow elliptic shape and has a wrinkled appearance. Quercus myrtifolia also grows better in shaded and upper dune environments.

Quercus myrtifolia is present in the southeastern United States. It occurs in sandy soils along coastlines up to 350 feet (110 m) above sea level. Habitats are dry sandy ridges in scrub oak forests with yellow pines, and dry-site hardwood forests. The most common trees it grows with are Quercus incana, Quercus laevis, Quercus marilandica, Quercus margaretta, Quercus geminata, and Quercus virginiana.

This plant is mostly used in gardening as a backdrop or accent plant. It is very low maintenance and its evergreen leaves provide cover during the winter. It may also have medicinal uses. The bark may be used as an antiseptic and hemostatic. It may even be useful for treating tooth aches, gastropathies, and burns, and to reduce inflammation. These types of medicinal uses are typical of many oak trees.

The Myrtle Oak can be used as an accent plant in garden settings. Despite this it is rarely available in nurseries. If growing a Myrtle Oak one should plant in full sun and well drained soil. It is very drought resistant. If it is planted outside it should be protected from pests, and buried at a depth equal to the diameter of the acorn.