Riparian Habitat

Riparian habitat is the assortment of native plants that occur adjacent to freshwater streams, creeks and rivers. Riparian zones are prone to flooding and associated land movement, and the plant species found in streamside zones are well adapted to this ever-changing environment. Coastal watersheds in California are made up of extensive stream networks that support this habitat. Healthy riparian habitat is a key element in maintaining stream conditions that support salmonid populations.

Native riparian habitat is characterized by a diversity of species and the community structure is strongly influenced by the physical processes of streams - different species occur at different elevations above the riverbed. The species that are found in the channel are usually not the same as those found on the flood plain. Intact riparian forests tend to be a dense tangle of large trees in the canopy, smaller trees below, with vines, downed wood, and various herbs and fungi lower still. The diversity of plants and complexity of habitats in these mature riparian forest zones supports an incredible number of animal species. Flood plain riparian forests are some on the most important - and the most impacted - habitats in California. Visit the Riparian Plants section for descriptions of plant communities and species found in riparian habitats, or visit the Exotic Plants section for descriptions of problems caused by these plants.

Riparian plants display different reproductive features and leaf characteristics depending upon a variety of factors, including age, season and environmental conditions. Proper identification of riparian plants is facilitated by the ability to recognize the leaf, flower, and seed of the plant, as well as an understanding of where the plant is likely to occur within the riparian corridor. Visit the Plant Species Gallery to find links to detailed photographs of riparian plants native to local watersheds, information on key identification traits (leaf, flower, seed), and typical location, as well as approaches to revegetation.