Quercus gambelii aka Gambel Oak

Quercus gambelii is an oak in the beech family. It sheds its leaves each year. Names include Gambel oak, shin oak, and Rocky Mountain white oak. It grows wild in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Its range runs north to Wyoming and east to Oklahoma. It grows on dry foothills and lower mountain slopes. Plants range from low shrubs to trees that form thickets.

Plants For A Future describes a shrub that grows slowly. It reaches 15 feet [4.5 metres]. Other sources give tree heights of 50 feet [15 metres]. Virginia Tech gives an extreme height of 65 feet [19.8 metres]. Suckers help plants spread into dense groups. Young bark is thin and pale. It grows darker and rougher with age. Young twigs have fine hairs that fade with age. Buds have scales and grow in groups at twig tips. The leaves feel like leather and grow in turn along stems. Their round lobes have shallow or deep gaps between them. Leaves are green on top and paler below. They may have hairs. Fall leaves turn yellow, orange, or red.

Male and female flowers grow on the same plant. Both grow on shoots from the current year. Male flower clusters, called catkins, are longer than female clusters. The small female flowers sit where leaves meet stems. Wind carries the pollen, and the plant flowers in May. Acorns grow alone or in small groups. Shallow cups cover part of each nut. They ripen in one growing season. The seeds are ripe in October.

This oak grows in sun and tolerates some shade. It accepts a wide range of soils and moisture levels. Oregon State favors coarse soil that drains well. It favors soil that is a little alkaline. Plants For A Future favors deep, rich loam, including heavier soil. Dry or moist ground can suit this oak. Oregon State lists cold hardiness to USDA zone 4. In cool British summers, the wood may not ripen well. This leaves it prone to frost damage. Plant young trees or shrubs where they will stay. Disturbing their roots causes problems.

Garden uses include stand-alone trees and trees for streets. Growers also use it in pots and for bonsai. Insects can form galls, which yield tannin and dye. Local uses include lumber and buttons made from acorn cups. Seeds can make flour for bread or to thicken stews. Wash bitter seeds well to remove tannins before use. Plants For A Future reports no known hazards. It also records use in folk medicine. It does not establish that these uses are safe or helpful.