Seasonal and spatial distribution of vascular plants were examined and related to soil texture, pH, moisture and nutrient contents in the riparian zone of the Balan Stream. In spring the area was dominated by Alopecurus aequalis var. amurensis, was displaced by Persicaria thunbergii and Humulus japonicus in summer. From the stream channel to bank, soil texture and pH were not significantly differentiated, moisture decreased, organic matter and K increased, and TKN and available P increased in June and decreased in August. DCA ordination analysis by species distribution showed spatially and seasonally distinct patterns seasonal difference was evident on axis 1, and spatial difference according to the distance from stream channel was clear, too. Both axis 1 and axis 2 scores were significantly correlated with biomass, pH, and phosphate. Species richness increased were significantly correlated with biomass, pH, and phosphate. Species richness increaed with increasing organic matter and phosphate, and decreased with increasing soil moisture and K. Biomass increased with increasing organic matter, but was negatively related to pH, moisture, TKN, available P and K. Available P was significantly correlated with biomass, pH, and total soil nitrogen. In conclusion, the distribution of riparian vegetation was governed by soil physico-chemical properties, which are primarily determined by how far it is from the stream channel.