These data were compiled to identify potential contributions of drought and inundation tolerance to vegetation composition along the Colorado River. Objective(s) of our study were to quantify physiological and growth responses of different plant species to drought and inundation. These data represent measurements taken on container plants in a greenhouse, and hydrological niche values based on field monitoring data that are published elsewhere. These data were collected in summer of 2022 at the Northern Arizona University Research Greenhouse Complex. These data were collected by Northern Arizona University and U.S. Geological Survey scientists in a greenhouse and laboratory setting. These data can be used to assess relative drought and inundation tolerances among the focal species.