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
24
m
Shrub Height
5
m
Field Height
5
m
Tree Cover
80
%
Shrub Cover
80
%
Field Cover
15
%
Nonvascular Cover
0.5
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Plot captures a variant of the extensive upland oak/heath forest at Scheier Natural Area. In this uncommon variant, Kalmia latifolia is the dominant ericad. No environmental reason for the abundance of Kalmia, which is absent in similar vegetation over large areas nearby, is apparent. Although mesophytic, fire-intolerant species such as red maple, tulip-poplar, and beech have invaded this stand, there is some shrubby oak recruitment present.