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
10
m
Shrub Height
6
m
Field Height
1
m
Tree Cover
40
%
Shrub Cover
40
%
Field Cover
55
%
Nonvascular Cover
30
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Vegetation structure and composition are typical of woodlands that occupy an extensive complex of sandstone pavements and outcrops on the SE flank of Tinker Mountain above Carvin's Cove. Some relatively large, steeply sloping pavements supporting sparse herbaceous vegetation are interspersed among the woodlands. Stunted Quercus montana and Pinus virginiana are the primary overstory trees, and Pinus virginiana is able to compete well and hold its position in the xeric, well-illuminated environment. Xerophytic graminoids dominate the herb layer and overall species richness (n = 50) is surprisingly high. Most herbs were senescing or showing signs of drought stress on the date of sampling. Dominant bryophytes in the plot were Hedwigia cf. ciliata (shaded microhabitats) and Grimmia laevigata (open pavements).
