| Gambel oak | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Fagales |
| Family: | Fagaceae |
| Genus: | Quercus |
| Subgenus: | Quercussubg. Quercus |
| Section: | Quercussect. Quercus |
| Species: | Q. gambelii |
| Binomial name | |
| Quercus gambelii | |
 | |
| Natural range ofQuercus gambelii | |
| Synonyms[3] | |
List
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Quercus gambelii, with the common nameGambel oak, is adeciduous smalltree or largeshrub that is widespread in the foothills and lower mountains of westernNorth America. It is also regionally calledscrub oak,oak brush, andwhite oak.[4][5]
The common and scientific names, Gambel oak andQuercus gambelii, were named after the AmericannaturalistWilliam Gambel (1821–1849).[6]
Quercus gambelii trees differ in size from one location to another. The average mature height is from 3–9 metres (10–30 feet), but occasionally reaches heights of 18 m (59 ft) in some locations. Dwarf stands of plants under 1 m (3+1⁄4 ft) tall are common in marginal areas where heavy browsing occurs.[4] The largest trees are found along streams in the southern part of its range, and can reach up to 100 feet tall. The champion tree is in Arizona at 35 m (114 ft) tall.[7]
Although the wood is hard and dense, its branches are irregular and crooked, making them flexible enough to bend without breaking when covered with heavy snow. Thebark is rough and brownish-gray.
Theleaves are generally7–12 centimetres (3–4+1⁄2 inches) long and4–6 cm (1+1⁄2–2+1⁄2 in) broad, deeply lobed on each side of the central vein; the upper surface is glossy dark green, the undersurface is paler and velvety. Trees aredeciduous and the leaves frequently turn orange and yellow during autumn, creating mountainsides of vivid colors. Theflowers are inconspicuous unisexualcatkins that occur in the spring.[4]
Theacorns are10–20 millimetres (3⁄8–3⁄4 in) long and about one-third to one-half enclosed by a cap or cup (cupule); they mature in September, turning from green to golden brown. The plant reproduces from acorns, but also spreads from root sprouts that grow from vast underground structures calledlignotubers. These reproductive characteristics often result in dense groves or thickets of trees that can cover entire mountainsides.[4]
The natural range ofQuercus gambelii is centered in the western United States and northwestern Mexico in the states ofArizona,Chihuahua,Colorado,New Mexico,Sonora, andUtah. It also extends intoNevada,Wyoming,Idaho,Nebraska, theOklahoma Panhandle,Coahuila, and into theTrans-Pecos region of westernTexas.[4][5][8][9][10]
The tree typically grows at elevations of 1,000–3,000 m (3,300–9,800 ft) above sea level where precipitation averages between 30–60 cm (12–24 in) per year.
The species flourishes in full sun on hillsides with thin, rocky, alkaline soil where competition from other plant species is limited. It also does well in richer soils, but in those areas it is forced to compete for growing room. It is well-adapted to locations where wet springs and hot, dry summers create conditions conducive to wildfires.
After a fire, Gambel oak quickly re-establishes from root sprouts. The plant isdrought tolerant.
Associated plant species include:chokecherry,arrowleaf balsamroot,bigtooth maple,mountain mahogany,ponderosa pine, andserviceberry. Associated birds and mammals includeWoodhouse's scrub jay,black-billed magpie,grouse,deer,chipmunks andsquirrels.
Where abundant, Gambel oak is an important food source for browsing animals such asdeer andlivestock.[6] The sweetish acorns are frequently gathered by squirrels and stored for winter food. Acorns are also eaten bywild turkeys,black bears, and domestic animals such as hogs.[6][11] Some insects depend on the Gambel oak: for example, theColorado hairstreak butterfly uses it as a food source for caterpillars.[12]
Historically, acorns from Gambel oak provided a reliable source of food for Native Americans.[13] If bitter, tannins can beleached[14] from the acorns.
