Quercus myrtifolia aka Myrtle Oak

Quercus myrtifolia, or myrtle oak, belongs to the red oak group. This evergreen grows as a large shrub or small tree. It comes from the southeastern United States, mainly the coastal plain. Its range reaches from the Carolinas through Florida, west to Mississippi. It grows on dunes, sandhills, dry ridges, and in hammocks. In some places, its stems form broad thickets.

Garden plants reach 15–20 feet [4.6–6.1 metres] in height. Their crowns spread 8–10 feet [2.4–3 metres] across. Some trees reach 35 feet [10.7 metres], beyond the usual range. Growth is slow, and the crown has a rounded shape. Young bark is smooth and gray to dark brown. Older bark develops grooves. The reddish-brown twigs bear hairs and pointed, oval buds.

The simple leaves grow in an alternate pattern along stems. Their glossy, dark green upper faces feel thick and leathery. The undersides look paler, with green to yellow tones. Leaf edges curl under, and each tip bears a bristle. Old leaves stay through winter until spring growth replaces them. Small greenish flowers open in April and May. Male flowers hang in catkins, but the blooms draw little attention. Dark brown acorns ripen in fall of the following year. Each cap covers about one-quarter to one-third of the nut.

Grow myrtle oak in full sun or part shade. It suits USDA hardiness zones 8–10. Give it soil that drains well, from dry to moist. Sandy ground suits it, though it also grows in loam. NC State recommends acidic soil. Established plants withstand drought, and the foliage tolerates salty wind. These traits suit dry, sunny sites near the coast. The tree needs little routine care. Growers can raise new plants from seed.

Use myrtle oak as an accent or behind a shrub border. Its leaves keep the garden green through winter. It also fits pollinator gardens and provides cover for wildlife. Birds and mammals eat the acorns and shelter among the branches. Moths and butterflies use it as a host plant. People can eat the nuts after leaching or boiling out tannins. This preparation matters; the evidence does not support eating them raw. Missouri Botanical Garden reports no serious insect or disease problems. Its account also notes broader oak risks, including wilt and root rot. Scale, borers, leaf miners, and caterpillars may also cause trouble.