Releve Virginia Division of Natural Heritage, see http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural_heritage/documents/nh_plotform_instructions.pdf
Overall Taxon Cover Values are Automatically Calculated?
no
Stem Observation Area
400
m²
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Tree Cover
70
%
Shrub Cover
30
%
Field Cover
90
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
An elevated floodplain terrace along the Shenandoah River, supporting a relatively mature Acer saccharinum dominated forest. Soils are well drained and their fertility evidently enhanced by prevalence of limestone and dolomitic substrates on nearby valley slopes. Many nutrient demanding species occur here (Carex albursina, Erigenia bulbosa, Hydrophyllum canadense, Trillium sessile, etc.). The early spring aspect of this herbaceous flora is completely dominated by Mertensia virginica and the flowering display of vast colonies of this species is phenomenal.
Plot located on north side of Calmes Neck, at the mouth of a ravine ca. 1.0 mi west of the mouth of Morgan Mill Stream.