Common myrtle

Myrtus communis

Family: Myrtaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Dogs, cats, horses: no toxicity statement and no pet-problem flags at NC State, RHS, Junta de Andalucia or Calanques (NC State page has no Poison Severity line; RHS page shows no harm note). Absence of a statement is not an all-clear.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Myrtus communis, not on the common name.. 'Myrtle' is also used as a common name for unrelated plants, for example crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia), wax myrtle (Myrica/Morella) and, in some places, Vinca minor. Their safety is not checked in this guide; match by scientific name Myrtus communis, not by the word myrtle.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 8a-9b per NC State Plant Toolbox; RHS H4 per RHS (the profile text shows H4 after the rating scale; aspect west- or south-facing, sheltered); Spain (Junta de Andalucia seed sheet): a relatively warm-loving shrub that does not tolerate low winter temperatures (no zone system given)
Light: Full sun per RHS; NC State allows partial shade.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: US: 8-12 ft tall and 8-12 ft wide per NC State, which says the typical range is 5-6 ft tall and wide; UK: RHS: max height 2.5-4 m, max spread 1.5-2.5 m, 10-20 years to maturity; ES: Junta de Andalucia: can reach up to 5 m, normally 1-2 m tall; FR: Calanques park: can sometimes exceed 4 m
Where it comes from: Northern Africa, southwestern Asia and southern Europe per NC State; Mediterranean per RHS; the Mediterranean basin per the Calanques park, which names garrigue and maquis habitats. Not native to GB/Ireland (RHS).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon