The Riparian Flora of Rock Creek in the Pickett State

Forest

Bethany L. Alley and S.K. Ballal

Biology Department of Tennessee Technological University

What defines a riparian area?

The National Research Council explains riparian areas “…as defined by their position as those lands bordering streams, rivers, and lakes.”

Some researchers characterize riparian zones by their “…soil water tables, presence of depositional sediments, and distinct vegetation.”

Riparian Habitats

Aquatic

Sambucus racemosa in the Caprifoliaceae family

Juncus effuses and Luzula multiflora in the Juncaceae family

Vervain urticifolia in the Verbenaceae family

Alluvial Woods

Xanthium strumarium in the Compositae family

Trifolium pratense in the Fabaceae family

Silene virginica in the Caryophyllaceae family

Quercus alba in the Fagaceae family

Cobble bars

Arenaria cumberlandensis and Arenaria patula in the Caryophyllaceae family

Lespedeza cuneata in the Fabaceae family

Sandy Alluvial Woods

Hypericum punctatum in the Clusiaceae family

Pipsissewa chimaphila maculate and Rhododendron maximum in the Ericaceae family

Ruderal

Dianthus armeria in the Caryophyllaceae family

Hypericum mutilum in the Guttiferae family

Plantago lanceolata in the Primulaceae family

Riparian PeripheryPycnanthemum muticum in

the Labiatae family

Polygala verticillata in the Polygalaceae family

Saxifraga michauxii in the Saxifragaceae family

Coreopsis major in the Asteraceae family