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
%
Nonvascular Cover
3
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
A montane oak-hickory forest with a lush and diverse herb layer dominated by leafy forbs (e.g., Cimicifuga racemosa, Solidago caesia, Thalictrum coriaceum). Betula lenta is abundant in the lower tree layers, possibly because of past disturbances (cutting, grazing, etc.).
The invasive exotic herb Alliaria petiolata appears to be increasing here.
Plot location: just N of Smith Roach Gap Fire Road at a point ca. 0.3 mi. ESE of Skyline Drive.