Beech Famiiy-Fagaceae

GAMBEL OAK-Quercus gambelii Nutt

Gambel oak leaves are a good forage for cattle and deer throughout most of the year; acorns are available in the fall. Unfortunately, all oaks contain tannic acid which can lead to livestock poisoning if the overall food intake of the animal amounts to at least 50% of oak leaves over a long period of time (which usually occurs in the spring when other forage is lacking).

Symptoms of chronic poisoning in livestock include the following: dry, scaly nose, emaciation, and dark, dry feces (may be bloody or mucous-coated in the beginning, and later watery and still dark).

Gambel oak may occur as a shrub, often found in thickets, or as trees, commonly over six feet tall but perhaps reaching a height of 50 feet. A common oak in most of Arizona in areas from 5,000 to 8,000 feet in altitude, it may be found in canyons, on slopes, and plateaus.

This oak possesses bright green lobed leaves, up to six inches in length, while its acorns are approximately one-half inch in length.