Riverbank erosion and collapse significantly impact sediment transport, river channel curvature, water quality, and aquatic ecosystems. Vegetation slope protection serves as an ecologically beneficial, aesthetically pleasing, and durable method of riverbank management, playing a crucial role in enhancing bank stability and mitigating erosion. However, comprehensive studies evaluating the effectiveness of different vegetation species and planting strategies were lacking. This study utilized the modified Bank Stability and Toe Erosion Model with its embedded RipRoot model to simulate the slope-stabilizing effects of four vegetation species (Phragmites australis, Alangium kurzii, Salix purpurea, and Nerium oleander), considering eight root diameter distribution scenarios and four planting locations (top, surface, toe, and entire slope). The results indicated that Alangium kurzii planted at the slope top provided the best control of erosion, whereas Phragmites australis showed superior performance when planted on the slope surface and toe. Slope face vegetation increased the factor of safety by an average of 56 % and reduced landslide width by 45.58 m in the studied example. Additionally, vegetation at the slope toe was more effective during dry and transitional hydrological conditions, whereas slope top vegetation was most effective during flood events. These findings offer theoretical and practical guidance for riverbank engineering design, providing scientific evidence for the optimal selection of vegetation species and planting locations to reduce the risk of bank collapse.