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