MYRTLE OAK

Quercus myrtifolia Willd.

(KWER-kus mer-ti-FOL-ee-a)

General:

Myrtle oak is a shrubby, evergreen tree which can grow up to 8 m. (24 ft.) high in scrub and beach areas that have not burned for a long period. One of several “scrub oaks”, it is easy to distinguish by the rounded appearance of the leaves. It is often found in the company of Chapman Oak and Sand Live Oak

It is attractive in seashore landscapes, but has no value for wood products. It grows into dense thickets along the beach and helps stabilize sand dunes. Myrtle oaks provide protection and food (acorns) for wildlife.

Flowers / Fruit:

Male flowers are catkins about 7-12 cm. (3- 5 in.) long.

The acorns, 1.5-2.5 cm. (5/8 - 1 in.) long, are usually found in pairs or small clusters. The saucer-like-to-top-shaped cup has flattened scales and covers about half of the nut.

Myrtle Oak (Quercus myrtifolia)

Leaves / Stems:

The alternate, simple, oval to oblong leaves are 3-5 cm. (1-2 in.) long with lightly rolled under, entire margins. The dark green, shiny leaves may have a slight pubescence on the lower surface of younger leaves, but mature leaves are smooth. The petioles are less than 1 cm. long.

Twigs are somewhat pubescent. Bark is gray, smooth or with shallow ridges.

Distribution:

Myrtle oak is commonly found on coastal & inland sand pine and oak scrubs throughout most of the peninsula of Florida to South Carolina to Mississippi.