Quercus gambelii Nutt. The bright green alternate leaves are 2 to 6 inches long, deeply lobed, and usually cut more than half way to the midvein. It is a good habitat plant for deer and turkey. It is fairly palatable forage, but, like all oaks, contains tannic acid. Gambel oak is the principal offender in oak poisoning in Arizona, especially among cattle.
Poisoning usually occurs in the spring when other forage is lacking.
Gambel oak poisoning occurs in the Prescott area, and other areas where dense stands are formed.