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
30
m
Shrub Height
6
m
Field Height
5
m
Tree Cover
80
%
Shrub Cover
50
%
Field Cover
5
%
Nonvascular Cover
50
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
This plot is located at the bouldery south foot of the ridge east of Quebec, along Rt. 672. The geology of this area is mapped as Shady dolomite but surficial rocks at the site represent debris from a whitish sandstone. Although the overall composition of the sampled stand is fairly typical of acidic soils, the possible influence of interbedded or underlying dolomite is suggested by somewhat enhanced soil calcium and magnesium, high species richness (76 species / 400 square meters), and the presence of a few nutrient-demanding species, e.g., Acer saccharum, Ostrya virginiana, Osmorhiza claytoniana, Solidago ulmifolia. Old, large, American chestnut stumps are present throughout the plot area and nearby. The current overstory consists mostly of medium-sized Quercus montana and Quercus montana, with some Tsuga canadensis, which were probably released when the chestnuts were removed. Tsuga, Pinus strobus, and Acer saccharum are currently invading the understory, which contains little oak recruitment. Discrete patches of Rhododendron maximum are scattered through the stand. The herb flora, though sparse, is surprisingly diverse.