Quercus myrtifolia - Myrtle oak
Family Fagaceae
Description:
About 600 species of oaks can be found around the world, mostly in the northern hemisphere. Myrtle oak is native to Florida and adjacent states. It is a small oak found with pine and turkey oak in dry natural areas of campus. It is densely branched. The evergreen leaves are broad and oval in outline. Trees are too small and slow growing for commercial timber use but it is a valuable fuel wood. The small acorns tend to be produced every other year. The acorns are food for wildlife.
Location:
See this plant in the higher, drier natural areas around campus.
Size:
A small tree that can grow to a height of about thirty feet.
Care Instructions:
Light: full sun
Water: very drought tolerant
Soil: well-drained, no other special requirements
This native tree is rare in nurseries. It is a nice small, slow-growing tree for sunny, dry locations.