In streamside or riparian areas, choosing the right plants and where to plant them depends on location in relation to the streambed. There are three zones that dictate the kinds of plants that can be grown.
Plants native to the Northwest are well adapted to conditions near streams where the groundwater table is shallow enough to interact with plant roots. Here's a guide to selecting plants for areas near streams.
Invasive plants disrupt ecosystems and have no place in streamside gardens. But these plants can be tempting because of their showy flowers and cheap prices.