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
28
m
Shrub Height
6
m
Field Height
1
m
Tree Cover
85
%
Shrub Cover
25
%
Field Cover
45
%
Nonvascular Cover
20
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Habitat is a local, rocky depression on a broad, gently sloping ridge crest. Low limestone outcrops line both sides of the long axis. The habitat and forest vegetation lie at the mesic end of the gradient for "dry calcareous forest." The forest appears to be fairly young, has outstanding woody diversity, and could be characterized as a mixed oak (Quercus muhlenbergii, Q. alba, Q. shumardii) stand being heavily invaded by younger mesophytic trees, mostly Acer saccharum, Fraxinus americana, and Fraxinus quadrangulata. The herb layer is open, with locally dense patches of Polymnia canadensis on mossy outcrops and boulders, Amphicarpaea bracteata and Carex digitalis on soil, and Bignonia capreolata everywhere.
0-2 cm: litter
2-3 cm: humus
A horizon: yellowish clay loam where shallow to bedrock
A horizon: medium-brown silty clay loam in hollows
Soil depth evidently variable within plot.