Quercus myrsinifolia

Foliage

• Color: The leaves are a deep, glossy green on the upper surface, with a paler green underside.
• Shape: The leaves are lanceolate, resembling bamboo leaves, which gives the tree its common name. They measure 3–5 inches in length and are smooth-edged or have very fine serrations along the margins.
• Texture: The foliage is leathery and somewhat stiff, contributing to the tree’s durability.
• Seasonality: Evergreen; the leaves persist year-round, providing consistent greenery even in winter.

Flowers

• Type: Monoecious, bearing separate male and female flowers on the same tree.
• Male Flowers: Long, drooping yellowish catkins, typically 2–4 inches in length, appearing in clusters.
• Female Flowers: Small, inconspicuous, and found in the leaf axils.
• Blooming Season: Spring (usually April to May).
• Pollination: Wind-pollinated, with flowers producing pollen that is carried to female flowers.

Fruit

• Type: Acorn.
• Appearance:
• Maturity Time: The acorns take one growing season to mature.
• Wildlife Value: The acorns are a food source for birds, small mammals, and deer.

The combination of elegant, bamboo-like foliage, subtle springtime flowers, and small acorns makes Quercus myrsinaefolia a refined and ecologically valuable tree for any landscape.

Watering

• Establishment Period: Water regularly during the first year, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Mature Trees: Once established, the tree is moderately drought-tolerant and requires watering only during prolonged dry spells.

Soil and Mulching

• Soil Preferences: Bamboo-leaf Oak grows well in loamy, sandy, or even slightly clayey soils, provided they drain well.
• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (bark chips or compost) around the base, keeping it 2-3 inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and retain soil moisture.

Light Requirements

• Prefers full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight daily) but can tolerate light shade, especially in hotter climates.

Pruning

• Prune during late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
• Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain a strong structure and healthy growth.
• Minimal pruning is needed as the tree naturally develops an attractive shape.

Fertilization

• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.
• Alternatively, topdress with well-rotted compost annually to provide nutrients.

Pests and Diseases

• Pests: Generally pest-resistant but may occasionally attract aphids or scale insects.
• Diseases: Resistant to most common oak diseases but monitor for signs of powdery mildew or root rot in overly wet conditions.
• Good air circulation and proper soil drainage are essential to prevent fungal issues.

Growth Rate and Mature Size

• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate, growing about 12–24 inches per year.
• Mature Size: Typically reaches 30–50 feet in height with a spread of 20–30 feet.

Special Considerations

• Bamboo-leaf Oak is an excellent choice for small to medium landscapes, especially in urban areas where space may be limited.
• Its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, making it suitable for hedges, screens, or specimen planting.

With proper care, Quercus myrsinaefolia will thrive as a low-maintenance, elegant addition to your landscape, offering a blend of ornamental beauty and environmental benefits.