Oak — Gambel
Quercus gambelii
Oak — Gambel (Quercus gambelii) is a Colorado-native tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 15–30 ft tall and 15–30 ft wide, and needs low water. Shrubby habit; susceptible to galls.
Colorado nativelow water15–30 ft tall and 15–30 ft wideXeric / water-wise
Photos
At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended
- Botanical name
- Quercus gambelii
- Variety / cultivar
- Gambel
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 15–30 ft tall and 15–30 ft wide
- Water needs
- low water
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Good for
- slope, south wall
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold Hardiness
- Watch: Suckers
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen — winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Oak — Gambel good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes. Oak — Gambel is included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a tree suited to Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Oak — Gambel get?
- It matures to about 15–30 ft tall and 15–30 ft wide.
- How much water does Oak — Gambel need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Oak — Gambel native to Colorado?
- Yes — it is a Colorado native.
