Plant · GBIF taxon 2878268
Gambel Oak
Quercus gambeliiAlso known as Gambel's Oak, Scrub Oak
Gambel oak is a deciduous shrub or small tree with deeply rounded leaf lobes and pale gray bark. It often spreads through underground shoots to form dense clonal thickets across dry uplands.
deciduous oakclonal thicketdry woodland
Licensed reference(c) Lyrae, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Lyrae · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Produces energy through photosynthesis and draws seasonal moisture through an extensive root system
Predators
- oak moth larvae
- deer
- wood-boring beetles
ThreatsSevere drought, land conversion, overly frequent fire, browsing, and root-zone disturbance
HabitatsDry foothills, mountain slopes, canyons, open woodland, and shrubland
Life spanIndividual stems may live for decades while established root clones persist much longer
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyFagaceae
- SpeciesQuercus gambelii
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Avoid breaking stems or compacting soil within dense root-connected thickets.
Responsible observation
- Identify: Check for rounded leaf lobes and multiple stems arising in broad patches.
- Protect: Remain on open ground rather than pushing through young shoots.
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.