Tree
Gambel Oak
Quercus gambelii
The native scrub oak of the Rockies' foothills: tough, fire-adapted, fall-colored.
- Native
Quick facts
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 4–8
- Water
- Very low once established
- Sun
- Full sun
- Size
- 10–30 ft tall × 10–15 ft wide
- Bloom & interest
- Deeply lobed leaves turning russet, orange and gold in fall; acorns for wildlife
- Plant type
- Tree
- Native range
- Native to the southern Rockies and Colorado Plateau (CO, UT, NM, AZ, WY)
Why we recommend it
A native oak that survives on rainfall alone in foothill soils, with fall color and acorns for wildlife. It suckers into thickets, which is useful on slopes but needs managing in small yards.
Best regions: Front RangeHigh DesertGreat Basin
How to grow it
Watering to establish
Plant small container trees; deep-water every 1–2 weeks the first two summers, then stop.
Pruning
Remove root suckers to keep a single tree, or let it form a clump; prune in winter.
Soil
Well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil; tolerates rocky ground.
Pairs well with
Read more
Where to buy
Shop Gambel Oak from trusted growers. For the best selection of xeric plants, try a mail-order specialist or ask a local independent nursery.
- High Country Gardens (opens in a new tab)Xeric specialist
- Nature Hills Nursery (opens in a new tab)Wide selection
- American Meadows (opens in a new tab)Perennials & seeds
- Etsy (opens in a new tab)Small growers
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