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
12
m
Shrub Height
6
m
Field Height
1
m
Tree Cover
50
%
Shrub Cover
50
%
Field Cover
65
%
Nonvascular Cover
30
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Plot is located in a complex of small, graminoid-dominated rocky openings within a matrix of stunted open forest/woodland. The site is part of Grassy Hill and is underlain by mafic igneous rocks. The plot captures the edge of the largest opening, along with adjacent woodland. Soils are shallow throughout. Graminoid species form almost a sod over exposed bedrock, which also supports large mats of lichens and bryophytes. The denser woodland area is dominated by stunted and often deformed Fraxinus americana, Carya glabra, Juniperus virginiana, Quercus stellata, and Cercis canadensis. The plot was sampled after a heavy rain and there were standing pools of water on the rocks and seepy areas around outcrops.
0-1 cm: leaf litter (only in treed areas)
1-10 cm: medium brown clay loam with stones and gravel
A
5.08
%
5.7
9.29
Disturbance Data:
Disturbance Type
Disturbance Intensity
Disturbance Comment
unknown
Charred snags present. Exotics limited to a few sprigs of Lonicera japonica and one seedling of Ailanthus. However, these and other exotics are more aboundant in the forest upslope and along roads leading to the radio towers at the top of the ridge.