Quercus myrtifolia, the myrtle oak,[3] is a North American species of oak. It is native to the southeastern United States (Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina). It is often found in coastal areas on sandy soils.[4]
It is an evergreen tree that can reach 12 meters (39 feet) tall, also appearing as a shrub in drier sites. It has leaves with no teeth or lobes, which are hairless on the upperside and also on the underside except along the veins.[5]
Myrtle oak exhibiting a shrubby growth form
Taxonomy
This plant was first identified by Carl Ludwig von Willdenow.[6] Some synonyms for Quercus myrtifolia are Quercus nitida, Quercus aquatica var. myrtifolia, Quercus myrtifolia f. ampla, Quercus phellos var. arenaria, and Quercus phellos var. myrtifolia.[7] The common name is the Myrtle Oak[8]
Description
The Myrtle Oak often grows as a shrub, but can also take the form of a tree. In maturity it grows to 15–20 feet (4.6–6.1 m) tall and 8–10 feet (2.4–3.0 m) wide. It is considered a red oak.[9] The leaves are simple alternate.[10] They appear dark green with a yellow-green underside. The leaves have a leathery texture, and an obovate shape.[10] There are small hairs on the underside of the leaves.[11] The acorns are about 1⁄2 inch (13 mm) long, and mature in 18 months.[12] Small green flowers bloom in April–May.[9] It has a grey smooth stem that furrows in maturity. Twigs can be reddish brown when they are younger.[10] A commonly associated oak of Q. myrtifolia is Quercus geminata. However, the leaf of Q. geminata is a narrow elliptic shape and has a wrinkled appearance. Quercus myrtifolia also grows better in shaded and upper dune environments.[13]
Distribution
Quercus myrtifolia is present in the southeastern United States.[8] It occurs in sandy soils along coastlines up to 350 feet (110 m) above sea level.[9] Habitats are dry sandy ridges in scrub oak forests with yellow pines, and dry-site hardwood forests.[14] The most common trees it grows with are Quercus incana, Quercus laevis, Quercus marilandica, Quercus margaretta, Quercus geminata, and Quercus virginiana.[14]
Uses
This plant is mostly used in gardening as a backdrop or accent plant. It is very low maintenance and its evergreen leaves provide cover during the winter.[15] It may also have medicinal uses. The bark may be used as an antiseptic and hemostatic. It may even be useful for treating tooth aches, gastropathies, burns, and reduce inflammation.[16] These types of medicinal uses are typical of many oak trees.[17]
Climate resiliency
Increased levels of CO2 in the environment of Quercus myrtifolia led to a decrease in leaf area. Additionally, this also led to an increase in sugar and starch content.[18] Higher levels of CO2 led to lower occurrence of leaf asymmetry this can better protect leaves from leaf miners.[19] Prescribed burns may be beneficial to the recruitment of Q. myrtifolia seedlings.[20] It is also possible that mature Myrtle Oaks eventually stop producing acorns making fires important for the growth of new trees.[21] Prescribed burns may be beneficial to the recruitment of Q. myrtifolia seedlings.[20]Quercus myrtifolia displays resiliency to prescribed and lightning caused burns on the Florida Lake Wales Ridge.[22] After palmetto scrub fires Q. myrtifolia managed to reach preburn values within 5 years.[23] Seasonal drought can have a large impact on the Q. myrtifolia. A dry spring season is known to greatly decrease its growth rate.[24] Myrtle Oak is also considered to be extremely wind resistant.[25]
Pests
A variety of insects feed on the Myrtle Oak including oak skeletonizer, leaf miner, galls, oak lace bugs, borers, and caterpillars.[9] Burrowing beach mice threaten acorns even when protected by cages.[26] Hibiscus mealybugs are also known to host in the tree.[27] Like all oaks, Quercus myrtifolia is susceptible to oak wilt.[9] Seeds with holes in them may be infested with weevils.[12]
Cultivation
The Myrtle Oak can be used as an accent plant in garden settings. Despite this it is rarely available in nurseries. If growing a Myrtle Oak one should plant in full sun and well drained soil. It is very drought resistant.[28] If it is planted outside it should be protected from pests, and buried at a depth equal to the diameter of the acorn.[29]
Conservation
Myrtle Oak is considered critically imperiled in South Carolina, imperiled in Mississippi, and vulnerable in Georgia.[30]
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