Mesic bottomland forest | Adaptation Workbook

Mesic bottomland forests are characterized by short, infrequent floods and mesic soil conditions. Dominant species include white and bur oak, sugar maple, American and slippery elm, bitternut hickory, black walnut, pecan, sycamore, hackberry, river birch, sweetgum, and beech.

Climate Impact Statements

A projected increase in heavy precipitation in the winter and spring in the coming decades could have a negative impact on mesic bottomland forests.

Habitat suitability is expected to increase for sweetgum and eastern cottonwood by the end of the century, which are common species in mesic bottomland forests.

Habitat suitability is expected to remain stable for bitternut hickory, sycamore, and white oak in mesic bottomland forests through the end of the century.

American beech and black walnut, common in mesic bottomland forests, are projected to decline in habitat suitability by the end of the century.

Boxelder may increase in abundance in mesic bottomland forests by the end of the century.

Humans have altered flood regimes in mesic bottomland forests, which may be exacerbated by climate change.

The location along riverways and species composition of mesic bottomland forests could facilitate migration.

Mesic bottomland forests may have a small range of suitable sites under future conditions.

Vulnerability

Moderate

Adaptive Capacity