Overview
Quercus gambelii is a spreading branched, bushy trees in the genus Quercus, part of the Fagaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen foliage. Quercus gambelii grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include architectural and low maintenance.
About
Quercus gambelii, commonly known as Gambel oak or shin oak, is a spreading, bushy tree within the Quercus genus, which includes both deciduous and evergreen trees or shrubs. This cultivar is deciduous and thrives in full sun, tolerating a range of soil types from loam to sand with well-drained conditions and various pH levels. It is hardy to UK zone H6 and can be grown in exposed or sheltered positions, making it suitable for architectural and low-maintenance planting. Interest in this tree extends into winter, and it can be propagated by seed or cuttings.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Quercus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Quercus gambelii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Spreading branched, Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Low Maintenance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Quercus gambelii
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings, Hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Oak processionary moth, Aphids, Caterpillars, Leaf-mining moths, Oak gall wasps
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Quercus gambelii?
Quercus gambelii prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Quercus gambelii need?
Quercus gambelii grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Quercus gambelii hardy in the UK?
Quercus gambelii has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Quercus gambelii?
Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings, Hardwood cuttings.
More in the Quercus genus
- Quercus acutissimaJapanese silkworm oak
- Quercus aucheriboz pirnal oak
- Quercus cerris 'Afyon Lace'Turkey oak 'Afyon Lace'
- Quercus chrysolepismaul oak
- Quercus frainetto 'Tortworth'
- Quercus garryanaOregon white oak
- Quercus georgianaGeorgia oak
- Quercus humilis
