Lowland-riparian hardwoods | Adaptation Workbook

Lowland and riparian hardwoods occur on alluvial soils or impermeable clay layers that are seasonally or annually inundated or saturated. Common tree species include red maple, northern white-cedar, silver maple, black ash, and green ash.

Climate Impact Statements

Lowland and riparian hardwood forests may be vulnerable to future changes in hydrology.

Most dominant tree species in lowland and riparian hardwood forests are expected to increase by the end of the century (American elm, black willow, eastern cottonwood, green ash, silver maple, swamp white oak, and white ash).

Some tree species in lowland and riparian hardwood forests are expected to decline by the end of the century (northern white-cedar, black ash, balsam fir, yellow birch, and paper birch).

Invasive species such as reed canarygrass, Japanese barberry, and buckthorn have the potential to increase in lowland and riparian hardwood forests under climate change.

Deer herbivory on preferred species may hinder regeneration.

Insect pests and diseases could become more active and virulent in lowland and riparian hardwood forests under a warmer climate.

Many tree species in lowland and riparian forests could tolerate limited increases in flooding and drought under climate change.

Vulnerability

Moderate

Adaptive Capacity

Moderate

Potential Impacts

Disruptive

Applicable Sectors

Forest [FAR1]

Forest

Forested watershed

Forest Carbon Management

Recreation

Non-Forested Wetlands

Wildlife Management