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
70
%
Shrub Cover
30
%
Field Cover
5
%
Nonvascular Cover
2
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
The plot is representative of fairly mature, mixed oak forests that cover the gentle, lower, north-facing slopes of Hurricane Mountain along Hurricane Creek. These lower slopes appear to constitute an extensive "toe" of colluvial/alluvial fan material deposited by streams draining the flank of the mountain. Quercus rubra is generally most dominant, but Q. montana, Liriodendron tulipifera, Tsuga canadensis, Acer rubrum, and Magnolia spp. are common associates. Oxydendrum arboreum and Acer pensylvanicum are abundant in the understory. The herb layer is rather sparse, but moderately diverse. At present, oak recruitment is extremely scarce in this stand, while Acer rubrum and Tsuga canadensis are the leading potential canopy species in the understory. Hemlock adelgid is present at this site, but has not yet caused significant defoliation or mortality.