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Myrtle Oak

Quercus myrtifolia

Last reviewed: August 2026

Myrtle Oak (Quercus myrtifolia) is a perennial tree native to AL, FL, GA, MS and 1 more states. It blooms in April and May. The flowers draw bees and beetles. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.

Myrtle Oak (Quercus myrtifolia)
Photo: (c) Bruce Kirchoff, some rights reserved (CC BY)

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

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

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

How much sun does Myrtle Oak need?
Myrtle Oak grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Myrtle Oak bloom?
Myrtle Oak blooms in April and May.
Where is Myrtle Oak native?
Myrtle Oak (Quercus myrtifolia) is native to AL, FL, GA, MS and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
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).
What pollinators does Myrtle Oak attract?
Myrtle Oak draws bees and beetles.
Is Myrtle Oak HOA-friendly?
Myrtle Oak is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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.

Ready to grow Myrtle Oak? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz