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
19
m
Shrub Height
2
m
Field Height
3
m
Tree Cover
80
%
Shrub Cover
40
%
Field Cover
4
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
The plot captures an unusual Prunus serotina-dominated maritime forest occurring on an ancient, stabilized dune system located approximately 450-500 meters from the Chesapeake Bay. The dominant canopy trees are wind-stunted and gnarled; smaller Sassafras albidum, Ilex opaca, and (outside the plot) Celtis cf. laevigata occur as associates. Shrubs are mostly Myrica pensylvanica in patches interspersed with open ground covered by leaf litter or woody seedlings. Herbs are sparse. This stand is unusual because most maritime forests on the Eastern Shore are composed of mixed loblolly pine and hardwoods, especially oaks. Similar but smaller and more open stands of Prunus serotina have been seen on Chincoteague Island and Wallops Island.
