Species myrtle oak

myrtle oak

Quercus myrtifolia

Myrtle Oak is a small evergreen tree native to the southeastern United States. It is a slow growing tree that can reach heights of up to 20 feet, and is beloved for its dark green triangular-shaped leaves that turn red-brown during the fall. The bark is a gray-brown color that can become scaly with age. The tree produces acorns, which are a valuable food source for wildlife. This tree requires full sun and can tolerate most soil types except for waterlogged or overly-dry conditions. Once established, it can withstand moderate drought. It is an excellent choice for uses such as street, specimen and lawn trees, as well as buffers, screens and windbreaks.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Air Layering Propagation,Division

Hardiness Zone:

8 - 10

Flowers:

Greenish Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Myrtle oak requires regular watering; however, the key is to avoid over-watering this species. The best time to water myrtle oak is twice a week, and the amount of water to give should be enough to adequately moisten the soil. Be sure to avoid drought conditions, as this will stress the plant. During the summer months, the soil should be kept damp but not soggy. During the winter months, watering should be decreased to once a week. Additionally, be sure the soil is well-draining so that the roots of the myrtle oak do not sit in water.

sunlight

Myrtle oak is a species of oak tree that is native to Florida and is found in the southeastern U.S. and Caribbean. It prefers full sun and grows best with at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. During the summer months, when the sun is at its highest, the tree may receive up to 10-12 hours of direct sunlight. During other months, the tree will likely receive closer to 6-7 hours per day. Obstructing buildings or trees in the immediate vicinity of the tree can reduce the amount of sunlight the myrtle oak will receive.

pruning

Pruning of myrtle oak (Quercus myrtifolia) should be done in late winter and early spring. Pruning should be minimal and only done if needed to maintain the shape and structure of the tree. It is best to wait until after the tree has gone through its initial growth spurt to ensure that pruning does not hinder the overall health of the tree. To prune properly, start by removing any dead or diseased branches first. Next, remove any crossed or intertwining branches that could disrupt the shape of the tree as this could lead to problems later on. Finally, remove any smaller twigs that could be competing with the larger branches for nutrients and growing space. Be sure to leave at least 2 healthy buds on branches for the best possible chance of regrowth.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Myrtle oak typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map