Rocky mountain white oak, Gambel's oak
Quercus gambelii

Family: Fagaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 9 m high and spreads 8 m wide. It loses its leaves during the year. It can spread from underground runners. It can form clumps. The leaves have 3-6 deep lobes on each side. There are fine hairs underneath. The fruit are oval acorns.

There are about 600 Quercus species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 4-9. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Central America, Mexico, North America, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The acorns are ground into a meal. They are also boiled or lightly roasted. Parched acorns are used to make soup. The ground acorns are used to flavour meat. They are ground into flour, soaked in water and baked to make bread.

Edible parts

Seeds, nut

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Gambel’s oak, Shin oak, Utah oak

Synonyms

Quercus utahensis (A. DC.) Rydb.;