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
8
%
Shrub Cover
40
%
Field Cover
60
%
Nonvascular Cover
5
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
This is one of two plots (see also ROAN004) sampled in a large patch of xeric woodland vegetation occupying sandstone outcrops on the southeast flank of Catawba Mountain north of Rt. 311. This sample captures a graminoid-rich, prairie-like variant of this vegetation, with the herb layer co-dominated by Carex pensylvanica and Schizachyrium scoparium. Xerophytic lithophytes such as Talinum teretifolium and Bulbostylis capillaris occur in the crevices of exposed sandstone pavements. Pinus virginiana, Amelanchier arborea, Carya glabra, and Quercus montana constitute most of the patchy and stunted woody vegetation.