Myrtle Oak
Quercus myrtifolia
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fagaceae
- Genus:
- Quercus
- Species:
- Quercus myrtifolia
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 20-40 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- mar, apr, may
- Bloom Colors:
- White, Green
- Evergreen Shrub:
- Yes
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Native Range
United States: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
consular oakworm moth (Anisota consularis), Pink-striped oakworm moth (Anisota virginiensis), Horace's Duskywing (Erynnis horatius), Red-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops), Sleepy Duskywing (Erynnis brizo)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- commonly found in coastal scrub and sandhill habitats
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Source: OpenAI GPT-4o