This is addressed in the GMW rules insert - tough always takes precedence. Say he has 2 growth counters and a tough status, 3 damage incoming. The tough is removed and he keeps the growth counters — Stretch22 · 483 1/25/22

Awesome, thanks! — jedimattb · 1 1/25/22

But maybe not the case anymore, see https://hallofheroeslcg.com/latest-ffg-rulings/#october2022, entry #162 — Polpoy · 1 10/12/22

Tough still has priority according to the most recent rules reference, which I realize is in direct conflict with the ruling you've cited. On page 12 under Damage and page 48 in the red text, tough clearly takes precedence over effects that interrupt the taking of damage — Stretch22 · 483 10/13/23

What if Groot also has a Forcefield Generator? Generator first, then Growth Counters? — Jobu · 3 10/30/23

You would get to choose which triggered first, the Forcefield Generator or Flora Colossus, but you'd have to fully resolve one before resolving the other. (So if Forcefield Generator had 3 Energy counters and Groot had 3 Growth counters and he got hit for 4 damage, he would have to lose 3 counters from one source and 1 from the other. He doesn't get to freely divide the damage.) — Leethus · 14 11/21/23