While it is true that weeping willow was an important tree to native Americans, and is beautiful at a distance, it is messy because it is weak-limbed. Crack willow is non-native. Because it was introduced by colonials from Europe, crack willow's gigantic profile lines many creeks and thus appears native. Limbs crack and fall in every wind. Willow sucks up water, but you might want to avoid the extra work. Also consider size: these suckers go 70 feet.
If you want gigantic, try sycamore or tulip tree, both originally used for canoes. Better choices for creek banks are shorter natives such as redbud, amelanchier, and cedars. Under theses trees that the birds love, try shrubs like chokecherry and elderberry. All can take the periods of flood and drought.
