Botanical Family: Fagaceae
Scientific Name: Quercus gambelii
Common Names: Gambel's oak
Botanical Description:
Quercus gambelii is a deciduous tree or shrub of variable size, with a rounded crown, typically growing to 10-15 meters in height, and occurring at elevations of 3,000-10,000ft (1,2,3). The bark is gray and longitudinally fissured (1,2). Young branches are gray to dark reddish-brown, and pubescent, becoming glabrescent (nearly hairless) and light brown to gray with age (1,2). The leaves, which are 4-17 cm long, and held by 0.3- 2 cm long petioles, are moderately to deeply lobed, with a shape rangin from elliptic, to oblong or obovate (1,2). The upper leaf surface is lustrous, and bright green in color, while the lower side is dull and thinly pubescent, with strong venation (1,2). The flowers, which appear in mid to late Spring, are unisexual and wind-pollinated (1,2). Staminate flowers are catkins with 4-12 stamens and greartly reduced red petals (1,2). They appear yellow in color as a result of the reduced corolla, long stamens, and prolific pollen production (9). Pistillate flowers are very small, reddish in color, and either single or in clusters of 2-3 in leaf axils near the branch tips (1,2,4,9). The fertilized pistillate flowers develop into a cupule (cup-shaped structure) that encloses 1/4-1/2 of the fruit (1,2,4). The fruits are 1.5-2.5 cm long acorns (2,4).
Ecological Significance:
Quercus gambelii is drought tolerant and adaptable to a broad range of elevations, temperatures, and soil types (1,2,4). As such, it appears in association with a wide range of botanical communities (1,2,4). As a result of its ability to asexually reproduce from adventitious shoots forming on the roots, it quickly forms dense thickets (8,9). Additionally, this feature allows it to quickly return after fires (8). This species is known to hybridize with several other members of its genus, including Quercus arizonica (Arizona white oak) (1,2). These Oaks (Quercus spp.) are keystone species, supporting important food chains and ecological processes. They provide sustenance and shelter for a multitude of animals, plants, fungi, and insects (5,6). Their shade canopy and root systems support soil microbes and invertebrates as well (5,6). Quercus gambelii is considered one of the most important plant species of the southwest USA in terms of value to wildlife (1). Areas where ponderosa pine and Gambel’s oak grow in association with one another are known to provide perching and nest sites for the threatened Mexican spotted owl (1). Many other species of animal utilize Quercus gambelii, including, but not limited to, mule, white-tailed deer, black bears, elk, bighorn sheep, javelina, squirrels and rodents (1).
Ethnobotanical Value:
Quercus spp. are important medicinal plants widely used in traditional medicine (7). Nearly all parts of the plants, including fruit, bark, and leaves, possess medicinal properties. Indigenous tribes used these plants as an antiseptic, and for treatment of gastrointestinal tract disorders (7). The bark, prepared as a tea for internal use, or an ointment for topical application, purportedly has antiseptic properties, and is used as a blood-clotting agent, and in the treatment of toothaches, inflammation, and burns (7,10). However, further research is needed to confirm these benefits and identify all possible side effects of use (10). The fruit is edible and rich in nutrients, containing high levels of carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, lipids, and sterols (7). Quercus gambelii has been valued not only for food and medicine, but also as a source of tools, and a component of ceremonial rituals practiced by Indigenous people of the Southwest USA, including the Acoma, Apache (Chiricahua, White Mountain, Mescalero), Cochiti, Havasupai, Hopi, Haulupai, Isleta, Laguna, Navajo, Neeshenam, and Yavapai tribes (1). The leaves have been used as a ceremonial emetic (1). The acorns were eaten raw, roasted, ground into meal or flour, and have been used medicinally as an analgesic for pain, and to increase sexual potency (1,2). The root bark has been used in decoctions as a cathartic (purgative) aid, as an aid in delivery (childbirth), and to soothe postpartum pain (1).
Distribution:
United States (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Wyoming, South Dakota), and Mexico (Chihuahua, Coahuila, Sonora)