Challenges in modelling the abundance of 105 tree species in eastern North America using climate, edaphic, and topographic variables

► We ask if climate can predict tree abundance as well as it predicts tree distribution. ► We test species abundance model (SAM) for 105 NA trees; we include edaphic variables. ► The predictive performance of abundance models is low for most tree species. ► Biogeographical attributes of species explain differences in model performances. ► Results raise questions on SAM's reliability for predictions in a future climate.