Quercus gambelii, with the common name Gambel oak, is a deciduous small tree or large shrub that is widespread in the foothills and lower mountains of western North America.

[7] Although the wood is hard and dense, its branches are irregular and crooked, making them flexible enough to bend without breaking when covered with heavy snow.

The leaves are generally 7–12 centimetres (3–4+1⁄2 inches) long and 4–6 cm (1+1⁄2–2+1⁄2 in) broad, deeply lobed on each side of the central vein; the upper surface is glossy dark green, the undersurface is paler and velvety.

Trees are deciduous and the leaves frequently turn orange and yellow during autumn, creating mountainsides of vivid colors.

[4] The acorns are 10–20 millimetres (3⁄8–3⁄4 in) long and about one-third to one-half enclosed by a cap or cup (cupule); they mature in September, turning from green to golden brown.

Associated plant species include: chokecherry, arrowleaf balsamroot, bigtooth maple, mountain mahogany, ponderosa pine, and serviceberry.