Which term identifies land next to the stream with heavy plant cover on either side?

The term that identifies land next to a stream with heavy plant cover on either side is "riparian zone." This area is crucial because it serves as a buffer between the aquatic environment of the stream and the terrestrial ecosystem. The riparian zone typically features a diverse array of vegetation, which helps stabilize the soil, reduce erosion, and improve water quality by filtering runoff. Additionally, this area plays an important role in providing habitat for various wildlife species, promoting biodiversity along the edges of water bodies.

Floodplains are adjacent lands that may be flooded during high water events, but they don't exclusively refer to areas with heavy plant cover. Wetlands are water-saturated areas that can include different types of ecosystems, such as marshes and swamps, but are not specifically defined by their adjacency to streams. The term “bank” refers to the sides of the stream itself, not to the broader area of vegetation and land alongside it. Thus, the riparian zone is the most accurate term for the location described.