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
90
%
Field Cover
30
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Plot located on NW-facing edge of narrow ridge crest west of Big Hollow near an elevation of 2800 ft. Stake in rather dense Kalmia and Rhododendron catawbiense ca. 12 m from crest of ridge. Granitic bedrock outcrops and shallow, bouldery, strongly acidic soils characterize this ridge crest site. Chestnut oak is the clear dominant here, over a dense shrub layer of Rhododendron catawbiense and Kalmia latifolia. No herbaceous species were found in the plot, presumably because of thick duff (reflecting very nutrient poor conditions) and dense shade cast by evergreen shrubs. Soil enrichment from colluvial processes not possible on this ridge crest.
Measured trees in plot (dbh in cm.): Quercus montana (36.5), Q. velutina (13.7), Betula lenta (13.9).