Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii)

Second place champion Gambel oak near Durango on Trimble Lane.

Species info:

Leaves: Alternate, simple, oblong with 5–7 rounded lobes and deep sinuses; margins entire or shallowly notched. Upper surface dark green and glossy; underside paler and softly hairy.

Leaflets: None (simple leaf).

Leaf Surface: Shiny and smooth above; pubescent and lighter below.

Bark: Gray and scaly on younger stems; becomes rough and deeply furrowed on mature trunks.

Flowers: Inconspicuous; separate male and female catkins on the same plant (monoecious).

Fruit: Acorns 0.9–1.8 cm long, short-stalked, set one-third to halfway into a rough-scaled cup.

Botanical: Quercus gambelii

Family: Fagaceae

Mature Height: Typically 10–25 feet; occasionally up to 60–70 feet in ideal conditions

Canopy Spread: Comparable to height; often forms dense thickets

Foliage Type: Deciduous

Tree Shape: Multi-stemmed shrub or small tree; sometimes single-stemmed at maturity

Growth Rate: Moderate

Fall Color: Yellow to bronze

Water Use: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established

Hardiness: Zones 4–8 (native at elevations 4,500–7,500 feet)

Soil Preference: Well-drained, rocky or sandy soils; thrives in dry mesa and foothill environments

Wildlife Value: High — acorns are an important food source for birds, squirrels, deer, and bears; thickets provide cover for wildlife

Pests/Pathogens: Generally resistant; may experience oak leaf blister or powdery mildew under humid conditions

Planting Recommendations: This Colorado native is recommended for most areas.

Information Sources:

• Front Range Tree Recommendation List