Resumo. The ecosystem of riparian forests has been the subject of numerous studies and research in recent years. However, due to microclimate conditions in these areas, little is known about the species with potential for use in forest restoration projects, since in the same place, it may be conditions of low water availability and floods over a year. Also, the search for alternatives for the planting of seedlings in river borders is essential since it is an enabling environment to erosion, and planting by cuttings is a possibility because there is no need for soil disturbance. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of rooting of stem cuttings of Cestrum axillare Vell. and its morphological and anatomical plasticity in conditions of low availability of water or inundation of root system in order to verify its potential for use in restoration projects in riparian environments. For that, cuttings were made from a matrix plant in different diameter classes and placed to root. After rooted, the plantlets were planted in containers of 4000 cm³ and at four months of age, subjected to low availability of water or flooding of root system. Evaluations were conducted throughout the study, covering visual observation and quantification of morphological and anatomical changes through histological sections. From the results, it was found that Cestrum axillare has potential to be propagated by cutting technique and it is indicated for use in restoration of riparian forest projects.