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| Identification |
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Genus
Myrtus
Species
communis
Variety
Cultivar
Common names
Myrtle berry
sweet myrtle
Greek myrtle
Family
MYRTACEAE
Specimen number
S11186
Data source
GrUnFr p327;HtZn p144;MedPl p236;Frgnt p212
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| Life cycle |
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Life form
Terrestrial
Life cycle
Various
Life span
Annual cycle
Not applicable
Stature
Shrub
Growth form
Not applicable
Growth habit
Various
Overall height
5' - 20'
Overall spread
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| Climate |
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Sunshine
Full sun to light shade
Water
Well drained
Optimal soil texture
Various
Acceptable soil pH
Neutral
USDA hardiness
USDA zones 08a-11
AHS heat zones
Heat zones 12-01
Sunset climate zones
Not classified
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| Garden |
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Suitable for gardens
yes
Nursery
Unknown
Compost
no
Size at acquisition
Unknown
Garden location
Unknown
Garden notes
Myrtus communis has a colorful display of berries in the fall and early winter. The flowers and leaves of Myrtle berry (also known as sweet myrtle and Greek myrtle) have a faint sweet fragrance. This plant can survive cold winter nights that go as low as 10� Fahrenheit. This species needs summer days with high heat. Full sun to light shade is ideal for this plant. It prefers well drained soils.
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| Special qualities |
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Tolerates drought
no
Tolerates high humidity
no
Tolerates seaside conditions
no
Insect resistant
no
Disease resistant
no
Deer resistant
no
Best uses
Symbiosis
Attracts butterflies
no
Attracts hummingbirds
no
Autumn foliage
no
Colorful berries
yes
Desirable qualities
Other interest
blue black berries
Other interest color
Other interest period
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| Adverse factors |
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Common pests
Poisonous parts
Poisonous indications
Internal poison
no
Dermatologic poison
no
Livestock poison
no
Mechanical injury
no
Hay fever pollen
Hay fever season
Adverse qualities
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| Herbal medicine |
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Medicinal properties
astringent
antiseptic
vulnerary
decongestant
Medicinal parts
Leaves
Essential oil
Has medicinal uses
yes
Do not self-administer
yes
Do no use if pregnant
no
Legally restricted
no
Toxicity precautions
The essential oil may be toxic
Medicinal notes
The berries are 1/2 inch oblong, blue-black color. Myrtus communis if frequently used in sauces. In the distillery, Myrtle berry (sometimes called sweet myrtle and Greek myrtle) is made into distilled liquor. This plant has traditionally been used in many herbal remedies including: as an astringent, as an antiseptic, as a vulnerary and as a decongestant. (More are listed in the medicinal properties section.) This species requires professional guidance for safe usage. The leaves and the essential oil are used in herbal preparations. The essential oil may be toxic.
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| Traditional uses |
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Parts used
Traditional uses
Contemporary uses
Fragrance
spicy orange scented flowers. flowers are delicately sweet; leaves are fragr
Fragrance parts
Flowers
Leaves
Fragrance intensity
Faint
Fragrance category
Faintly sweet
Dye parts
Dye color
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| Cultivation |
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Propagule
Cutting
Seed
Pollination method
Self fertile
Planting style
Crop spacing
Row spacing
Cold frame
Planting period
Harvesting period
Frost tolerance
Heat requirement
Fertilizer
Typical
Time to harvest
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| Nutrition |
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Is edible
no
Culinary uses
Distilled liquor
Sauces
Nutritional value
Edible parts
Berries
Description of edible parts
1/2 inch oblong, blue-black color.
Flavor / texture
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| Horticulture |
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Horticulture notes
Myrtus communis is self fertile. Myrtle berry (in some places called sweet myrtle and Greek myrtle) can be propagated using a cutting or by seed. This plant most likely originates from western Asia and Afghanistan.
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| Herbarium |
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Tag needs printing
no
Collection notes
Flowers: Myrtus communis has tiny flowers with golden stamens. The blossoms are usually a white color, with an accent in gold.
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