Lower Stream Banks

Stream banks in Alabama are one of the most interesting, dynamic and diverse habitats to be found on the continent. We can only represent a fraction of the possible communities that can be enjoyed.  Many stream banks are subject to serious erosion due to common development practices.  The plants that reside here must be able to endure the sometimes-violent water conditions produced with heavy rain events, as well as the unavoidable droughts of the region.

Our lower stream area is home to a Carolina silverbell (Halesia diptera).  Under its canopy in the spring you will find Atamasco lilies (Zephyranthes atamasco), May apples (Podophyllum peltatum), several native Trillium and Rhododendron species, and numerous fern species. Southern lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina), sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis), netted chain fern (Woodwordia areolata), Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) and cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamonea).  Enjoy the cool banks throughout Auburn’s hot muggy summer.  Late in the same season a blanket of native touch-me-nots (Impatiens capensis) takes over with its delicate orange and yellow blooms.  In the winter, the banks are accented by the snaking vines of mature, though sometimes out of hand,  Alabama supplejack (Berchemia scandens).