Myrtle Oak
Quercus myrtifolia
Last reviewed: September 2026
Quercus myrtifolia is a small evergreen tree found in sandhill and scrub habitats across the coastal plain of the southeastern United States, blooming in April and May and thriving in full sun with low water needs.
Myrtle Oak (Quercus myrtifolia) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
240"–480" H × 180"–360" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, FL, GA, MS and 1 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
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Myrtle oak is a compact evergreen oak that develops into a dense, rounded tree perfect for smaller landscapes. It produces small leaves and maintains an attractive shape year-round with minimal care once established.
Growing Myrtle Oak
Grow Myrtle Oak in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 240 to 480 inches tall and spread 180 to 360 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Myrtle Oak is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
This oak supports bees and beetles during its spring bloom period. As a native oak species, it provides valuable habitat and food sources for local wildlife throughout the year.
Common questions
- When does myrtle oak bloom?
- Myrtle oak generally flowers in April and May, producing the small catkins typical of oaks.
- What insects visit myrtle oak?
- Bees and beetles are known to visit myrtle oak flowers, though like most oaks it also relies heavily on wind for pollination.
- What growing conditions does myrtle oak prefer?
- It does best in full sun with sandy, well-drained soil and needs little supplemental water once established, reflecting the scrub and sandhill sites where it commonly grows.
- Does myrtle oak drop its leaves in fall?
- No, myrtle oak keeps its small, leathery leaves through the winter since it is an evergreen oak.
- Is Myrtle Oak toxic to dogs?
- Myrtle Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Myrtle Oak toxic to cats?
- Myrtle Oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Myrtle Oak HOA-friendly?
- Myrtle Oak is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Myrtle Oak? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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