Types of Riparian Vegetation
(Information compiled by Lina Polvi)
Riparian vegetation in unglaciated confined valley types will be strongly controlled by the xeric, upland terrestrial vegetation type. Possible riparian vegetation in this process domain will be predominantly coyote willow, western birch, alder, narrow-leaf cottonwood, and blue spruce.
Controls on Riparian Vegetation Growth
The riparian vegetation zone in unglaciated confined areas will be very narrow due to the high degree of confinement in these valleys. The valley walls are sometimes at or only a few meters away from the edge of the riparian zone. The gradient of the stream will be an important control on the riparian zone width. However, the strong hill slope control, which also constrains the channel’s ability for lateral migration, probably plays a larger role in restricting riparian vegetation growth.