Myrtus communis
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Myrtus communis

Myrtle berry
sweet myrtle
Greek myrtle

  family myrtaceae 
  genus myrtus 

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Identification
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
 
Life cycle
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   
 
Climate
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
 
Garden
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.
 
Special qualities
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   
 
Adverse factors
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   
 
Herbal medicine
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.
 
Traditional uses
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 
 
Cultivation
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 
 
Nutrition
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 
 
Horticulture
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.
 
Herbarium
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.

Page 3121 of 4998

Last reviewed November 01, 2004   

 

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