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:
Field Height
1
m
Tree Cover
30
%
Shrub Cover
75
%
Field Cover
70
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Plot contains many dead standing and fallen Pinus rigida, which created an open tree canopy. This species probably became established following fire. No evidence of Pinus rigida seedling establishment was noted, perhaps due to the thick organic duff and dense shade from Kalmia latifolia. Soils are sandy and rather deep, with virtually no surface boulders. Elsewhere on this mountain, where surface boulders are more frequent, oaks dominate along with pine, and Xerophyllum asphodeloides is frequent in the herb layer. For some unknown reason, all the sapling sized Sassafras albidum are dead. It's nearly impossible to accurately discern a low shrub layer distinct from a tall shrub layer in plots such as this where Kalmia latifolia stems of varying heights are so completely intermingled.
Plants occurring nearby jeep road - and apparently favoring increased light, less competition, or mineral soils at the surface - include Xerophyllum asphodeloides, Iris verna, Danthonia compressa, Lysimachia quadrifolia, Viola sagittata and Carex polymorpha.
Plot located ca. 15 m east of Rader Mountain Trail, 48 m north of wildlife clearing.
Soil extremely acidic, A-horizon consists of sand grains and poorly decomposed organic matter.
Disturbance Data:
Disturbance Type
Disturbance Intensity
Disturbance Comment
unknown
Probably burned about 50 years ago. Plot contains many standing dead or fallen Pinus rigida, while several of the smaller diameter individuals are bowed due to heavy glaze or wind. Acer rubrum stems scarred by effects of glaze, but healthy trees occur outside the plot.
