Plant Profile: Quercus myrtifolia

Myrtle Oak is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that is resilient to drought, belonging to the Fagaceae family, which includes beeches. Typically, it grows in a shrubby form and can reach heights of 15 to 20 feet with a spread of 8 to 10 feet; however, it often remains under 8 feet tall, with a trunk diameter ranging from 2 to 3 inches. This tree thrives in the dry, sandy soils found in dunes, sandhills, and ridges, extending its range to the coastal areas of Mississippi.

As a low-maintenance option, Myrtle Oak is ideal for sunny spots in the garden, serving effectively as an accent plant or positioned at the back of a shrub border. Its evergreen foliage adds visual interest to the landscape during the winter months.