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
200
m²
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Shrub Height
6
m
Field Height
0
m
Shrub Cover
30
%
Field Cover
15
%
Nonvascular Cover
65
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Plot on a high, convex portion of an extensive outcrop barren on basic granitic rocks (layered pyroxene granulite). Vegetation here and in similar parts of the barren consists of very stunted (shrub-sized) patches of Juniperus virginiana, Pinus virginiana, and Fraxinus americana interspersed with much larger areas of open rock covered by lichens, bryophytes, and patchy herbaceous vegetation. Vascular plants occur in soil pockets under the shrubs, as well as in depressions, crevices, and bryophyte mats on the exposed rocks. Graminoids such as Carex pensylvanica and Danthonia spicata for colonies in the more extensive soil deposits while lithophytes such as Phemeranthus teretifolius, Isanthus brachiatus, and Cheilanthes lanosa are prevalent elsewhere. Parts of this barren (not in plot area) appear disturbed, with high cover of Ambrosia artemisiifolia and the exotic Commelina communis; this may be the result of grazing and trampling by feral goats.