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
14
m
Tree Cover
70
%
Shrub Cover
50
%
Field Cover
70
%
Nonvascular Cover
3
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
This is one of a subset of plots sampled to collect data on the distribution and ecology of Abies balsamea. The sampling site is a gentle, high-elevation slope underlain by Catoctin greenstone. Vegetation is characteristic of high-elevation greenstone landscapes in the Park: mixed Quercus rubra, Q. alba, and Betula alleghaniensis overstory with stunted, wind- and ice-pruned trees. Patches of dense, young Abies balsamea are present in the understory, and a few seedlings are also present in the plot. The herb layer is relatively dense and diverse.
Plot location: S slope of Hawksbill, ca. 0.4 mi. S of the summit.