How does the re-introduction of native plant species along river banks help to prevent land erosion?

Please include a site as a reference.

When there are more plants on the riverbanks (im sorry if i dont know some scientific names, i only know them in french) the roots of the plants help to absorb water and to hold the soil in place. It would be like sand because there is nothing holding sand together the waves cary away the sediments and the sand. When there is a riverbank with trees and plants the roots help to keep the soil in place. sorry i couldnt be more specific.