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 Height
33
m
Shrub Height
6
m
Field Height
8
m
Tree Cover
90
%
Shrub Cover
90
%
Field Cover
6
%
Nonvascular Cover
2
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Plot was positioned to capture a portion of a mixed hardwood forest occupying a short, mesic slope bordering the bedrock terrace along the Potomac River in Mather Gorge. This stand has a very dense understory of Asimina triloba which, combined with a closed overstory and very rocky soils, may contribute to an atypically low cover of herbaceous plants. Although artifacts of deer grazing were not directly observed, heavy herbivory over a long period of time may have also impacted the herb layer. Although fairly representative of a Basic Mesic Forest, this plot is unusual in lacking Liriodendron tulipifera and having high cover of Quercus montana.