Types of Riparian Vegetation
(Information compiled by Lina Polvi)
Because unglaciated process domains are located in the Lower Montane ecotone, vegetation types in unglaciated unconfined areas will be the riparian species found in the Montane region. These include narrowleaf cottonwood and blue spruce as well as western birch and alder.
Wetlands are likely to form in unconfined valleys due to increased groundwater, floodplain microtopography creating depresssions, and possibly beaver dams. Although wetlands are not necessarily considered riparian zones, when they form in proximity to a stream they will influence the type and extent of riparian vegetation. More cottonwoods will be present than other vegetation types found in other unglaciated process domains. Cottonwood communities are early, mid- or late seral. Healthy riparian areas support all stages of cottonwood communities.
Controls on Riparian Vegetation Growth
In these broad valleys, the hill slopes do not have a great influence on floodplain processes, including riparian vegetation growth.
Other ecosystem processes probably play a greater role:
Vegetation community type
Groundwater influence