GAMBEL OAK

Quercus gambelii

Gambel oak is the common oak species of the southern half of our region, extending in the wild as far north as northern Utah and Colorado. It is cold hardy throughout the region. A sturdy little tree with a multi-stemmed growth form, it averages 20' tall at maturity but may grow larger under favorable conditions. It leafs out late in the spring, and holds its leaves well into the fall, when they turn rich shades of earthy gold and maroon. Gambel oak grows in the medium water zone (15-20" annual precipitation). It is quite drought hardy but grows faster with extra water. It looks great planted with bigtooth maple and creeping Oregon grape.