A University of Iowa researcher says climate change may eventually threaten Iowa’s state tree, the bur oak. Matt Dannenberg (DAN-in-berg), a professor in the U-I Department of Geographical and Sustainability Sciences, says we’re already seeing the start of what could be a very troublesome weather pattern in the years ahead that could be difficult for several species of trees, especially the bur oak.

The study found many tree species respond more strongly to drought than they do to rainy periods, meaning, that reduced growth during drought is not completely offset by increased growth during rainy years. This means some species could see their growth stunted by shifting rainfall patterns.