River Birch: Betula Nigra

It’s that time of year, where storms, hurricanes, and flooding become more
common. Storms deliver torrential rain that can lead to massive flooding,
damaging homes, businesses, and sometimes our community trees. But some
tree species are more tolerant than others at withstanding the impact of a
storm and its aftereffects like puddles, soil deposition, and rushing streams.
Here are 9 tree species that can weather a storm in wet soil and flood
conditions.
1. River Birch
Betula nigra
As its name suggests, the river birch naturally grows along river banks. But
as a landscape tree, it can be planted almost anywhere in the U.S. The species
is valued for its relatively rapid growth, tolerance of wetness and some
drought, unique curling bark, spreading limbs and relative resistance to birch
borer.
The river birch has not yet reached the popularity of many maples and oaks,
but it is well on its way. In 2002, one of its cultivars was even named the
Urban Tree of the Year by the Society of Municipal Arborists.
Hardiness zones 4-9.

Read: How You can Help Restore Communities and Forests Devastated by
Recent Hurricanes
2. Black Tupelo
Nyssa sylvatica
Called “one of the best

and most consistent native trees for fall color” by tree expert Michael Dirr,
the black tupelo is a terrific landscaping choice. Displaying various hues of
yellow, orange, bright red and purple—often on the same branch—its foliage
is a stand-out of the autumn season. Even the distinctive bark, which
resembles alligator hide, adds visual and textural interest.
And while its blooms may not seem noteworthy, bees will be very
appreciative of the presence of this tree, as it serves as an important late-
spring food source.
3. Weeping Willow
Salix babylonica
This graceful giant is known for its open crown of wispy, ground-sweeping
branches and long, slender leaves. Often seen as one of the first indications of
spring, the weeping willow’s yellow twigs and green foliage appear early in
the season—sometimes as early as February.
The tree is easy to grow and quick to take root, reaching heights between 30′
and 40′ and nearly the same in width. It lends itself well to planting singly or
in small groves near the edge of ponds, lakes and rivers.
4. Baldcypress
Taxodium distichum
The Baldcypress tree is the classic tree of southern swamps. There, in its
habitat, it displays a peculiar habit of raising conical “knees” from its roots.
The function of these growths is something of a mystery, although some
believe it is a way to help the roots get oxygen. This tree dwells in swamps
because it out-competes most other trees on such sites.
To the surprise of some people, the baldcypress does quite well when planted
in the right soil in yards or along streets and is a beautiful specimen tree. It
has been grown successfully in cities as far north as Milwaukee and on dry
Texas hills.
5. Red Maple
Acer rubrum
Red maple is
one of the best named of all trees, featuring something red in each of the
seasons—buds in winter, flowers in spring, leafstalks in summer, and
brilliant foliage in autumn. This pageant of color, along with the red maple’s
relatively fast growth and tolerance to a wide range of soils, makes it a
widely planted favorite.
The natural range of red maple begins roughly at the eastern edge of the
Great Plains north to Lake Superior, extending eastward to the Atlantic. But
homeowners and urban foresters are growing this tree all across the United
States.
Read: Are You Ready for Hurricane Season?
6. Hackberry
Celtis occidentalis
The hackberry, while often forgotten by casual consumers, is commonly
heralded by tree experts as “one tough tree.” Found on a wide range of soils
east of the Rockies from southern Canada to Florida, these trees thrive in a
broad span of temperatures and on sites that vary from 14 to 60″ of annual
rainfall. They can even stand up to strong winds and tolerate air pollution.
All this hardiness adds up to a good landscape choice, particularly if you’re

looking for an energy-conserving shade tree that doesn’t require watering.
7. American Sweetgum
Liquidambar styraciflua
The
American sweetgum—with its star-shaped leaves, neatly compact crown,
interesting fruit and twigs with unique corky growths called wings—is an
attractive shade tree. It has become a prized specimen in parks, campuses and
large yards across the country.
If you’ve got the space and are looking to add some fall color, this tree is a
sure bet. The glossy green leaves turn beautiful shades of yellow, orange, red
and purple in the autumn.
8. Overcup Oak
Quercus lyrate
The overcup oak tree is a long-lived, very sturdy shade tree that will thrive in
a wide variety of soil conditions. Long overlooked by growers, the tree is
gaining popularity and has been made more readily available for home
landscapes.
Because of its size, shape, adaptability and hardiness, the overcup oak makes
an excellent urban street tree.
9. California Sycamore
Platanus racemose
The California Sycamore is a majestic native with a rapid growth rate. In

expansive landscapes, it can make a fine specimen tree. Standout features
include a peeling, mottled trunk; a spreading crown; heat and wind tolerance;
and enormous size.
While it is a beautiful tree, several factors should be considered when

planting it, including size, fruit, dense branching, roots and moisture
requirements.

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It’s that time of year, where storms, hurricanes, and flooding become more

Hardiness zones 4-9.

Called “one of the best

Hardiness zones 4-9.

Hardiness zones 6-8.

Hardiness zones 4-10.

Hardiness zones 3-9.

Read: Are You Ready for Hurricane Season?

All this hardiness adds up to a good landscape choice, particularly if you’re

Hardiness zones 3-9.

Hardiness zones 5-9.

The California Sycamore is a majestic native with a rapid growth rate. In

While it is a beautiful tree, several factors should be considered when

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