Remote ridgeline on WV/VA boeder. Both sides on public property. Dominant forests on WV side are mostly oak/ericad, of which this plot is a varient - see 473 for more common expression, which is similar to forest just below this plot.;Rocky sandstone ledges on NW flank of ridgeline. Ledges are about 10 m high. A few trees are rooted in crevices and canopy overhangs from above and below plot, but there are some gaps. Canopy trees are oaks (chestnut, black, red). Smaller sweet birch are rooted in rockiest areas, along with catawba rosebay in late bloom. Short shrubs include huckleberry, herbs include acidophilies and hydrophytes.
Representativeness
Small patch, narrow rock out crop ledges. Along ridge Rhododendron catawbiense is confined to this narrow habitat. Continues roughly 1/2 mile N along ridge. Long, narrow plot facilitates access and maintains uniformity.