The tree layer was surveyed in two fragments of submontane deciduous riparian forest on the left bank of the mid-course Rio Grande, in Alpinópolis and Passos municipalities, MG (20°41'S; 46°22'W; 20°40'S; 46°27'W; altitude 680 to 750 m). The aim was to study the flora and phytosociology of riparian forests in Minas Gerais and to assess the correlation between forest structure variation and environmental variables. Structure (density and basal area), species composition, distribution and diversity were analyzed. All trees with dbh ≥ 5 cm were sampled in 25 plots (20x20 m); topographic data and soil samples for chemical and textural analyses were collected in these plots. A total of 811 trees, 65 species, 55 genera and 28 families were recorded, as well as three soil groups and two drainage classes. Anadenanthera colubrina and Myracrodruon urundeuva were clearly the most important species. Canonical correspondence analysis detected a short gradient with low species substitution and species abundances varying mainly in relation to drainage and slope variables.