Nuttall Oak Quercus texana. Native to the flood plain regions of the southern Mississippi River valley system. Deals with exactly that circumstances. Grows fast, and has very nice fall color, and many have nice spring color as well. Good to Zone 5 IIRC. Basically a wet tolerant Scarlet\Shumard\Pin Oak.

Arktrees

Here is a link that might be useful: Nuttall Oak

Also research Nyssa sylvatica (blackgum) for interesting form/branching and unique glossy leaves with outstanding fall color. There are several ornamental shrubs that would like that habitat, too. You could underplant the trees with the shrubs and have nearly year round interest with flowers, fruit and fall color.

John

Here is a nice little list. Stay away from the ones that are not drought tolerant as it sounds like the area can dry out and is not consistently moist.

Here is a link that might be useful: Trees for Wet Locations

I have a Nuttal Oak in the front yard. When planted George (another story) was about 3 inches in diameter. While it has been there just over a year, I have been pleased with the growth rate. Right now it has pretty red leaves, though they are not as vibrant red as some oaks.

I personally like Weeping Willow. They are fast growing trees, tolerate wet conditions, and with their lighter green leaves gives good contrast to the dark green trees like pine.

Cottonwood trees are quite comfortable in such conditions.

You may be able to get away with a sweetbay magnolia. I stuck one in a problem area and it's thriving, but has a more protected exposure.

Nuttalls are related to Shumards? I have one Shumard and it does look like a Nuttals. I have 5 Nuttalls and I can't tell the difference between the 2 either. They all have the same picturesque form even when young.

There were a few forms that are now considered to be Q. texana (Nuttall's):

QUNU Quercus nuttallii Palmer
QUNUC Quercus nuttallii Palmer var. cachensis Palmer
QURUT Quercus rubra L. var. texana (Buckley) Buckley
QUSHM Quercus shumardii Buckley var. microcarpa (Torr.) Shinners
QUSHT Quercus shumardii Buckley var. texana (Buckley) Ashe

Beng how long have your trees been planted in that situation?
I figured they'd be shallow rooted to start but might end up having root troubles with age.
But, I hope you are right!

Beng how long have your trees been planted in that situation?
I figured they'd be shallow rooted to start but might end up having root troubles with age.
But, I hope you are right!

Some others...

Overcup oak
Swamp Chestnut Oak
Water Hickory
Pond Cypress

dirtslinger, since spring 2004.

The key is that the soil can get some oxygen in it during the warm season. The roots will "wait it out", even under water during the cold season (except for water-sensitive trees).

Tuliptree is ~36' tall after 9 seasons in that situation, and Shumard oak almost 25'.

Thanks Beng, I do hope the long term prospects of these trees is good. I have something similar happening, but have had some reservations.

Nyssa Aquatica can take lots of moisture and I have also had good luck with Southern magnolias if its out of winter wind.

Sycamore is one I forgot to mention too. I've seen them up against puddles and streams around here. They need a bit of non-saturated area to sit up on but I've seen them in really flooded on 3 sides places. Hope that makes sense. As long as there is a little slight mound to sit on, the rest can be pretty saturated. Just thought I'd mention it.

All these bottomland trees are completely adapted to seasonal flooding. That season is winter. If the same degree of flooding occurs during the growing season, some start to have trouble.

+oM