In this study, the 1D apparent shear stress model for vegetated compound open-channel flows was suggested. To consider the effect of momentum exchange between main channel and floodplain, the eddy viscosity concept was used in the present model. The interfacial eddy viscosity in the interface of main channel and floodplain was determined from the 3D Reynolds stress model. The evaluated interfacial eddy viscosity appears to be good agreement with those proposed previously. To investigate the effect of interfacial eddy viscosity, sensitive analysis was carried out. the computed backwater profiles are nearly identical with respect to the value of the interfacial eddy viscosity. However, the discharge conveyed by the floodplain changes is proportional to the interfacial eddy viscosity. Finally, the changes of the interfacial eddy viscosity due to the vegetation density and vegetation height were examined. The computed results of interfacial eddy viscosity are in proportion to the vegetation density and vegetation height, and the interfacial eddy viscosity has a range of $(2-5);{ imes};10^{-4}$.